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

All that's left is a spindly brown stem. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026

At 12 seconds, Morse puts his skis over the mechanical wand, the spindly knee-level barrier which, when competitors push through, triggers the electronic timer. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026

Cut yourself a big bouquet and trim spindly, dead or crossing branches to encourage better blooms this spring. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 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

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