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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
European bay leaves are wide in shape and subtle in flavor, while bay leaves grown on the West Coast have a more slender shape and intense flavor. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 Just one House seat has yet to be called: In California’s agricultural San Joaquin Valley, Democrat Adam Gray holds a slender lead over GOP Rep. John Duarte in the 13th Congressional District, but the race remains too close to call. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 The slender 6-foot-5 senior will slide between guard and forward on offense and often will be out front at the top of the Warriors’ strong 1-2-2 ball-press defense. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 23 Nov. 2024 Cleaning one efficiently might take a slender bottle-cleaning brush or, more simply, a soft sponge that’s easy to manipulate around its curves without missing any spots. Kayla Blanton, Outside Online, 17 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slender 

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 11 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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