skinny

[skin-ee]

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.

noun

1. Slang.

   1. accurate information; data; facts.

   2. news, especially if confidential; gossip.

      Here's the skinny on the latest Hollywood scandal.

skinny

/ ˈskɪnɪ /

adjective

1. lacking in flesh; thin

2. consisting of or resembling skin

Other Word Forms

• skinniness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of skinny¹

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

Example Sentences

Slender Man is a skinny, shadowy figure who has appeared in photos, drawings and articles across the internet.

Read more on BBC

The skinny look to the scoreboard - a 27-23 victory - matched with frayed nerves and chewed fingernails.

Read more on BBC

In one jaw-dropping shot, a skinny plane flies on its side through a thick birch forest.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The guy’s much too skinny to fill out the navy-blue suit he’s wearing.

Read more on Literature

“Do you see that hourglass marking that’s skinny in the middle and wider on its sides?”

Read more on Literature

Related Words

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