skinny

American  

[skin-ee] / ˈskɪn i /

adjective

skinnier, skinniest

1. very lean or thin; emaciated.

   a skinny little kitten.

   Synonyms:

   scrawny, gaunt, lank

2. of or like skin.

3. unusually low or reduced; meager; minimal.

   skinny profits.

4. (of an object) narrow or slender.

   skinny noodles.

5. (of garments, especially pants) narrow and very tight-fitting.

   skinny jeans; a skinny tank top.

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noun

1. Slang.

   1. accurate information; data; facts.

   2. news, especially if confidential; gossip.

      Here's the skinny on the latest Hollywood scandal.

skinny British  

/ ˈskɪnɪ /

adjective

1. lacking in flesh; thin

2. consisting of or resembling skin

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Other Word Forms

• skinniness noun

Etymology

Origin of skinny

First recorded in 1565–75; skin + -y ¹; skinny def. 6 is unclearly derived and perhaps a distinct word

Example Sentences

CheqUp's Facebook advert featured a woman looking in the mirror with the quote: "I don't want to be skinny, I just don't want to be the biggest person in the room".

From BBC

I was a skinny Brazilian guy who didn’t speak Spanish at all.

From Los Angeles Times

The new lineup of skinny bundles includes a sports plan with access to major broadcasters as well as networks FS1, NBC Sports Network, and all of ESPN’s networks, YouTube said Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Kid Soul: Prior to the jerkin’ style getting accepted, it was dissed — the skinny jeans, the bright colors.

From Los Angeles Times

A bit gangly and skinny, but not terrible.

From Literature

Related Words

• angular
• bony
• gaunt
• lanky
• scrawny
• slender