skinny

[ skin-ee ]

adjective

, skin·ni·er, skin·ni·est.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈskinniness, noun

Other Words From

• skinni·ness 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

The fashion industry "should be concerned" by a trend back to using more skinny models, the editorial director of British Vogue has said.

From BBC

“I want attending this festival to be my permanent job,” said Armesto, who wore a skinny scarf and round glasses.

From Los Angeles Times

How does a skinny, gay Welsh kid raised in a strict Jehovah’s Witnesses community become a famous Hollywood action movie star with credits on “Clash of the Titans” and the “Fast & Furious” franchise?

From Los Angeles Times

"He came in at 15 years old, a really tall, gangly, skinny lad - didn't look like a footballer at all in all honesty," he says.

From BBC

Despite constantly being labelled a “skinny drug” this could take someone weighing 20 stone down to 17 stone.

From BBC

Related Words

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