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

• gangling
• gangly
• lanky
• rangy
• spindling

Examples of spindly in a Sentence

spindly, underfed dogs roamed the poverty-stricken village

Recent Examples on the Web

Besides the head honchos that make up the central nervous system—the brain and spinal cord—kilometers of spindly fibers snake their way throughout our anatomy. —Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 4 Sep. 2024

Out pops a bloodthirsty little xeno with a spindly tail. —Scottie Andrew, CNN, 16 Aug. 2024

With a yellow-and-black body that can be more than an inch long and a leg span that can reach a spindly four inches, Joro spiders (Trichonephila clavata) look intimidating. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2024

These spindly designer picks will look right at home year-round and can elevate a space, inside or out. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2024

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