spindly

adjective

spin·dly | \ ˈspin(d)-lē ,

ˈspin-dᵊl-ē \

spindlier; spindliest

Definition of spindly

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 More Example Sentences Learn More about spindly

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Examples of spindly in a Sentence

spindly, underfed dogs roamed the poverty-stricken village

Recent Examples on the Web

The unrelenting equatorial sun scorches from above, and an explosion of chatter from shops just beyond a grove of spindly trees briefly breaks her focus. — Deirdre Fernandes, BostonGlobe.com, "An education in hope," 7 July 2018 These spindly piers whose stilt-like legs hold up a net, antenna-like poles and a small roofed shelter, resemble giant alien spiders cooling off 100 or so feet out in the sea. — David Farley, WSJ, "Where to Feast on Italy’s Freshest Seafood? These Historic Piers," 10 July 2018 Standing on its spindly wheels, next to their brand-new crossover, my parents’ all-black car is clearly from another century, looking as antiquated as Ford’s singular color palette. — Casey Williams, chicagotribune.com, "Driving the Ford Model T through 110 years of American audacity," 3 July 2018 Those westgoers flocking into the arid lands beyond the 100th meridian would see their dreams dashed by spindly crops. — Johnforristerross, Longreads, "Taming the Great American Desert," 2 July 2018 About eight bighorn sheep scattered along the slope below, their distinct white tails bobbing up and down among the spindly desert flora baking in the midst an epic drought. — Alex Devoid, azcentral, "Drought raises demand for water deliveries to wildlife, but it's a short-term fix," 27 June 2018 Of course there are other legends, the most popular of which holds that the Holy Grail was hidden in the mountain’s spindly confines. — Smithsonian, "Explore Catalonia’s Most Beautiful Nature Parks," 15 June 2018 Those Americans flocking into the arid lands beyond the 100th Meridian would see their dreams dashed by spindly crops, heartbreak and bankruptcy. — John F. Ross, WSJ, "The Prophet of the Dust Bowl," 14 June 2018 In the best Giacometti installations, viewers can mingle among his figurative sculptures, whose solitary, spindly presences—pinched, twisting, nervously agitated, their forceful eyes drilling into ours—both confront and empathize with us. — Lance Esplund, WSJ, "‘Giacometti’ Review: Beyond a Retrospective," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spindly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.