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

Without pruning, Russian sage can become spindly, leggy, and overgrown. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026

As century upon century passes, the oceans freeze over and he is retrieved by what look like skinny, spindly aliens — not too unlike those briefly seen throughout pop culture, including in other Spielberg films. —Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

During that time, three astronauts tested the spindly lunar excursion module in Earth orbit. —Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 12 June 2026

In Vivo 17 is a classic alien design, with a big head and huge black bug eyes and long, spindly fingers. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 12 June 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