Typically, skinks have smooth, shiny, overlapping scales and long, cylindrical bodies. Their heads are cone shaped. Many species have a large, transparent scale on the lower eyelid that enables them to see even when the lid is closed. In most species their tail is easily broken but can grow back. Skinks tend to spend much time hiding under leaf litter.

Most skinks are small, usually not exceeding eight inches in total length, but a few species are larger. Skinks are most frequently striped but may be banded, spotted, or uniformly colored. Males of many species develop larger heads, which is thought to be used to fight with other male skinks during their breeding season.

The skinks are one of the two largest lizard families.

Skinks break their tails when they are endangered by an enemy or handled roughly. Skinks can do this voluntarily. Their tails will still move after broken off to catch an enemy's eye so the skink can escape.