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

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

When growing basil indoors on a sunny windowsill, give pots a quarter turn weekly to expose all sides to the sun and ensure seedlings won't be pale and spindly. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025

Tomatoes stressed by lack of sunlight have spindly, weak stems and minimal fruit. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2025

Grand Tours cater to spindly, ultralight cyclists who can ascend 3,000-foot mountain passes for days on end. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 2 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