spindly

adjective

spin·​dly ˈspin(d)-lē 

ˈspin-dᵊl-ē

spindlier; spindliest

1

: of a disproportionately tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness

spindly legs

2

: frail or flimsy in appearance or structure

a spindly tower

Synonyms

• gaunt
• skinny
• lanky
• thin
• gangling
• bony
• gangly
• slender

Examples of spindly in a Sentence

spindly, underfed dogs roamed the poverty-stricken village

Recent Examples on the Web

If your petunias and coleus look spindly and leggy, use pruning shears to cut them back by about one-half. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025

Bare, blackened trees with pointed, spindly limbs and black soil that felt strange underfoot, both spongy and brittle. —River Selby august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025

Signs your plants need attention include pale foliage, spindly new growth, and fewer new flowers. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2025

Batibou Beach is a long, wide crescent of golden sand partially shaded by spindly palm trees ($5 entry, cash only). —Kristin Braswell, AFAR Media, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spindly

adjective

spin·​dly ˈspin-(d)lē 

-dᵊl-ē

spindlier; spindliest

: of a tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness

spindly legs