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

• gangling
• gangly
• lanky
• rangy
• spindling

Examples of spindly in a Sentence

spindly, underfed dogs roamed the poverty-stricken village

Recent Examples on the Web

The spindly 6-0, 170-pounder made big strides each season after that. —Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 20 May 2025

Keep in mind, in the world of asparagus, thin and spindly is not always better than thick and chunky. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025

The brush was too spindly to climb and too thick for a fast getaway, and the big Bahamian guide saved my hide by swinging his heavy machete to knock the boar down and fall on it. —Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2025

Add pops of red to a neutral space or a spindly chair to capture cottage chic in your room. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025

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