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

• 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

His self-presentation is not that of a postmodern auteur, poised to trounce his critics, but of a goofy man off to the side with spectator shoes, spindly legs, and ginormous hands. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 24 June 2025

Planting sun-loving plants in a shady site usually results in plants with spindly growth and few, if any, flowers. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025

But the tall, spindly lander face-planted in a crater near the moon's south pole and was declared dead within hours. —Arkansas Online, 6 June 2025

The exterior was refreshed with a new face and tail, to give it a more modern look than the spindly grille of the pre-facelift model. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 June 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