skeletal muscle

noun

: striated muscle that is usually attached to the skeleton and is usually under voluntary control

Examples of skeletal muscle in a Sentence

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.
This includes the skeletal muscles that Rocky uses to sprint and box, the muscles that allow your heart to beat, the muscles that squeeze food through your stomach and intestines, and the muscles that open up your airways to breathe. Linda M. Boland, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026 Collagen is a structural protein found throughout the body, most notably in connective tissue and skeletal muscle. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026 VO2 max reflects the maximum ability of your cardiovascular and respiratory systems to deliver oxygen to your exercising skeletal muscles. Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 26 June 2026 About 95% is stored in skeletal muscle and 5% in the brain and heart. Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for skeletal muscle

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeletal muscle was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Skeletal muscle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeletal%20muscle. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Medical Definition

skeletal muscle

noun
: striated muscle that is usually attached to the skeleton and is usually under voluntary control
also : a muscle composed of skeletal muscle

More from Merriam-Webster on skeletal muscle

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