Definition of skeleton noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

skeleton

noun

ˈskelɪtn

ˈskelɪtn

1 [countable] the structure of bones that supports the body of a person or an animal; a model of this structureThe human skeleton consists of 206 bones.a dinosaur skeleton 2 [countable] (informal) a very thin person or animalThe disease has reduced her to a skeleton.3 [countable, usually singular] the main structure that supports a building, etc.

Synonym

frameworkOnly the concrete skeleton of the factory remained.4 [countable, usually singular] the basic outline of a plan, piece of writing, etc. to which more details can be added laterExamples were used to flesh out the skeleton of the argument.5 [countable] skeleton staff, crew, etc. the smallest number of people, etc. that you need to do somethingThere will only be a skeleton staff on duty over the holiday.We managed to operate a skeleton bus service during the strike.6 [countable] (sport) a type of sledge/sled (= a vehicle for sliding over ice) for racing, used by one person lying on their front with their feet pointing backwardsIt's just like the skeletons they use in the Olympics.The skeleton slider broke his back in the race.7 [uncountable] the sport or event of racing down a special track of ice on a skeletonCanada won gold and silver in the skeleton.Skeleton returned to the Winter Olympics in 2002.skeleton events at the Winter Olympics

Idioms

a skeleton in the cupboard

(British English) (also a skeleton in the closet North American English, British English) (informal) something shocking, embarrassing, etc. that has happened to you or your family in the past that you want to keep secret