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

"I typed in 'weight-loss injections'. I just wanted to lose weight as quickly as I could. I thought if I was skinny again, people would accept me - and I'd accept myself."

From BBC

So I stared at everyone, looking for curly hair and long skinny legs and nostrils that flare out a little.

From Literature

Iowa farmer Lance Lillibridge told AFP that cattle producers have been "living off very skinny margins" for years.

From Barron's

We could trade our skinny row house for someplace in the suburbs with plenty of bathrooms, a home office, and a big garage.

From Literature

Look, you have scared him half to death, poor skinny little rabbit.

From Literature

Related Words

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