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
Examples of spindly in a Sentence
spindly, underfed dogs roamed the poverty-stricken village
Recent Examples on the Web
A bit on the spindly side (6-foot, 170 pounds), Reichel’s problem through his young career has been finding the inside ice.
—
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
These are the ports, pipelines, and oil refineries of Shandong province and its borderlands, where the hulking architecture of oil storage tanks and spindly profiles of smokestacks jut up from barren, coastal flatlands.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
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
When a snake plant has tall spindly leaves, thinning leaf blades or isn't growing, Halleck's prescription is to give it more light.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spindly
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Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
These are the ports, pipelines, and oil refineries of Shandong province and its borderlands, where the hulking architecture of oil storage tanks and spindly profiles of smokestacks jut up from barren, coastal flatlands.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
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
When a snake plant has tall spindly leaves, thinning leaf blades or isn't growing, Halleck's prescription is to give it more light.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spindly
Cite this Entry
“Spindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spindly. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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