bony

[ boh-nee ]

adjective

, bon·i·er, bon·i·est.

1. of or like bone.
2. full of bones.
3. having prominent bones; big-boned.
4. skinny; emaciated.

bony

/ ˈbəʊnɪ /

adjective

1. resembling or consisting of bone or bones
2. having many bones
3. having prominent bones

   bony cheeks

4. thin or emaciated

   a bony old woman

Derived Forms

• ˈboniness, noun

Other Words From

• boni·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bony¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, bony is from the Middle English word boni. See bone, -y ¹

Example Sentences

The olive green freshwater reptile has a distinct bony crest at the back of its head - by some estimates, it can grow up to 3m or nearly 10ft.

From BBC

They compared this to a remarkable new specimen of Pachystropheus, known as 'Annie', that contains hundreds of bones from several individuals, as well as evidence of sharks, bony fish, and even terrestrial dinosaurs.

From Science Daily

His bony frame was so frail, yet his grip was so strong as he shook hands and patted backs and embraced all who approached.

From Los Angeles Times

Until recently, scientists were unsure if these various bony headgear evolved independently in each ruminant group or from a shared common ancestor.

From Science Daily

His bony ankles going into sneakers without socks.

From Literature

Related Words

• emaciated
• gaunt
• scrawny
• skinny