scaly

adjective

ˈskā-lē How to pronounce scaly (audio)
scalier; scaliest
Synonyms of scalynext
1
a
: covered with, composed of, or rich in scale or scales
b
: flaky
2
: of or relating to scaly animals
3
: despicable, poor
A regular scaly old shop …—Charles Dickens
4
: infested with scale insects
scaly fruit
scaliness noun

Synonyms of scaly

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Examples of scaly in a Sentence

His skin was dry and scaly. the snake's scaly skin was dry to the touch
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yet another group of bone hunters in the area found a Triceratops skeleton next to a large slab of its scaly skin. — Paul C. Sereno, The Conversation, 24 Oct. 2025 With its scaly armor, pointy ears, elongated snout, and curved claws, the armadillo is undeniably odd-looking. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 19 May 2026 Other signs include a change in skin texture that may look puckered, scaly or inflamed, and may appear red, purple or darker in other areas of the breast. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 27 May 2026 The spa’s wellness pods mimic the scaly exterior of the endangered Sunda pangolin. — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scaly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of scaly was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing scaly

Rhymes for scaly

See All Rhymes for scaly

Browse Nearby Words

scalprum
scaly
scaly anteater
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Cite this Entry

“Scaly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scaly. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scaly

adjective
ˈskā-lē How to pronounce scaly (audio)
scalier; scaliest
1
a
: covered with, composed of, or resembling scale or scales
b
: flaky sense 2
scaly skin
2
: infested with scale insects
scaly fruit

Medical Definition

scaly

adjective
ˈskā-lē How to pronounce scaly (audio)
scalier; scaliest
: covered with or composed of scale or scales
dry scaly skin
scaliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on scaly

Nglish: Translation of scaly for Spanish Speakers

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