bones

word · lemma: bone

/ˈboʊnz/
bohnz
/bˈəʊnz/
bohnz

Definition

The hard parts inside a person’s or animal’s body that make up the skeleton and support the body. The word can also refer to the bones of meat or fish when eating or cooking.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used as a countable noun: 'a bone', 'bones'. Common phrases include 'break a bone', 'skin and bones', and 'bone marrow'. In food contexts, people often say 'be careful of the bones' for fish or meat.

Example Sentences

There are small bones in this fish.

basic

Dogs like to chew bones.

basic

The doctor looked at the X-ray of my bones.

basic

After being sick for a week, I felt like skin and bones.

natural

He broke two bones in his hand during the game.

natural

Be careful with that chicken wing — the bones are tiny.

natural