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 Available in black, beige and ivory colorways, the calfskin tote features two slender belts across the front, as well as a softened napa lining. Hannah Malach, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024 The deep roots of the writer’s emotional and physical connection to the place provide a foundation for the slender story. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024 Photo : Brock Sorenson A slender terrace above Condado Lagoon. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2024 Here’s a look at how other free-agent additions are shaping up through eight practices: D-line overhaul Floyd (6-3, 240) has the slender build of an outside linebacker but will be counted upon to provide another outside threat to go with Bosa. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slender 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'slender.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 3 Nov. 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

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