# bony

/ˈboʊni/ (US) · /bˈəʊni/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bony
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

having very little fat on the body so that the bones show through the skin. It can also describe something that is made of or looks like bone.

For teachers: characterised by a lack of flesh or fat, making the skeletal structure prominent; consisting of or resembling bone.

## Examples

- The old man had thin, bony fingers.
- After weeks of hiking with limited rations, his face looked tired and bony.
- The archaeologist carefully brushed away the soil to reveal the bony remains of a creature that had been extinct for millions of years.

## Usage notes

- Often used to describe specific body parts like fingers, knees, or shoulders to emphasize thinness.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.