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 of spindly

• 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

These spindly designer picks will look right at home year-round and can elevate a space, inside or out. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026

One is a spindly stick about 2 1/2 feet (80 centimeters) long that could have been used for digging in the mud. —Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026

One is a spindly stick about 2 1/2 feet long that could have been used for digging in the mud. —Adithi Ramakrishnan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

The towering incense cedars, stout black oak trees and spindly pines were cloaked in the ornaments of moisture, dangling like tiny decorations on a holiday tree. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026

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