Definition

Describing someone who is thin and has noticeable bones, often giving a gaunt appearance.

Example

The rawboned man stood out in the crowd due to his sharp features and slender build.

Conversation

Have you seen Jake lately?

Yeah, he looks really rawboned these days.

I know, right? He’s always been skinny, but now it’s even more noticeable.

Maybe he’s been too busy to eat properly or something.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rawboned → The word is formed from "raw" (from Old English *hrēaw*, meaning uncooked or unprocessed) and "boned" (from "bone" which comes from Old English *ban*, meaning the hard structure of an animal). The term "rawboned" describes someone who is thin and bony, suggesting a lack of flesh or fat.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'uncooked' ('raw') and has a 'bony' structure — that's why 'rawboned' describes a thin person.

Visually Confused Words