slender

adjective

slen·​der ˈslen-dər How to pronounce slender (audio)
1
a
: spare in frame or flesh
especially : gracefully slight
b
: small or narrow in circumference or width in proportion to length or height
2
: limited or inadequate in amount or scope : meager
people of slender means
slenderly adverb
slenderness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for slender

thin, slender, slim, slight, tenuous mean not thick, broad, abundant, or dense.

thin implies comparatively little extension between surfaces or in diameter, or it may imply lack of substance, richness, or abundance.

thin wire
a thin soup

slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry
a slim chance

slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

Examples of slender in a Sentence

She has a slender figure. a flower with a slender stem an animal with a long, slender snout
Recent Examples on the Web Top with slender asparagus spears, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with hot sauce. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024 The trolley passthrough is especially versatile, as it can be zippered up when not in use to double as another slender pocket. Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024 Projected onto the windscreen is another slender gauge cluster, which shows more information about active safety systems and state of charge. Tim Stevens, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2024 Giancarlo Stanton’s arrival at spring training for the New York Yankees has been met with intrigue regarding his slender appearance and role on the ball club. Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 The Tank Américaine was born in 1989 when the Maison introduced a slender version of the model in a gently curved case reminiscent of the Tank Cintrée. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024 New potatoes soak in the dressing along with slender green beans (haricots verts), radishes, and chives. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2024 Van Ginkel makes up for a slender frame and shorter arms with good burst off the line and plus movement ability in space, but he can get swallowed up by blockers. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024 In between, the bodywork swoops and swirls, forming a slender fuel tank, narrow waist and even radiator shrouds that incorporate down-force winglets, all blended together into an almost beetle-like body structure that houses the engine, frame and suspension components. William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'slender.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sclendre, slendre, from Anglo-French esclendre

First Known Use

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near slender

Cite this Entry

“Slender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slender. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

slender

adjective
slen·​der ˈslen-dər How to pronounce slender (audio)
1
2
: limited or not enough in amount : meager
a slender income
slenderly adverb
slenderness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on slender

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