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

In these buildings, the ground floor can be held up by flimsy, skinny poles that can collapse when shaken side-to-side in an earthquake.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2021, the Nelk Boys launched Happy Dad, a hard seltzer in a standard 12-ounce beer can meant to differentiate it from the “skinny can bulls**t” of segment leaders White Claw and Truly.

From Salon

With his stand-up hair, skinny body and long, skeletal fingers, he could pass for a contemporary of ours, a proto-punk figure who would seem at home on the Lower East Side.

From New York Times

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

Related Words

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