1. the framework of bones supporting the body of a vertebrate animal
2. the remaining bones of a dead person or animal
3. a basic framework or structure of something

Examples

• The museum displayed dinosaur skeletons in the main hall.
• Human skeletons have 206 bones when fully developed.
• Archaeologists discovered ancient skeletons at the burial site.
• The building’s steel skeleton was completed before adding walls.
• She outlined the skeleton of her research proposal.
• The politician worried about skeletons in his closet being exposed.
• Every family has a few skeletons they’d rather keep hidden.