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

Starting amid towering saguaros and spindly ocotillos, and ending in a thriving aspen forest, these 27 miles connect scenic overlooks, a number of federally run public lands, a serene little mountain town, and much more. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026

The Antarctic Peninsula, a spindly chain of icy mountains which sticks off the west side of the continent like a thumb pointing toward South America, is one of the fastest warming places in the Southern Hemisphere. —Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 May 2026

Our evidence rests in the eight spindly tomato plants poking up from small containers next to a large window in our back room. —Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

Putting full-sun plants in shade leads to spindly, weak growth and few flowers. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 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