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

But a few Decembers ago, its branches turned into spindly things where spikes grew instead of leaves. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

In a polytunnel on the Scottish island of Bute, thousands of spindly Scots pine seedlings are growing. —Alexa Phillips, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024

Its head is nearly indistinguishable from its tail, and the seven to eight spindly legs attached to the worm-like body almost mirror the spikes alternating on its back. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Ringed by mountains and a bald expanse of Arizona desert, red and yellow cranes cast spindly shadows over the cubic skeletons of what will become multistory buildings. —Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 14 Oct. 2024

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