spindly

adjective

spin·​dly ˈspin(d)-lē How to pronounce spindly (audio)
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

Examples of spindly in a Sentence

spindly, underfed dogs roamed the poverty-stricken village
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Okay, okay — even though my spindly frame and past-his-prime age both immediately disqualify me from membership in this band of bodacious biceps, I am intrigued. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The eyes in the sky gazed down on a copse of spindly trees in western Russia, hooking onto where North Korean forces were coalescing, a Ukrainian special operations forces commander, who is being identified only by his call sign, Green, told Newsweek. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025 That extra-long body and those spindly fingers, the acid blood, and not just one mouth full of razor-sharp teeth, but two. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 That’s because the twisty, spindly room centerpiece with large, pointy, deep green leaves is no ordinary tree. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spindly

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spindly was in 1651

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spindly. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

spindly

adjective
spin·​dly ˈspin-(d)lē How to pronounce spindly (audio)
-dᵊl-ē
spindlier; spindliest
: of a tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness
spindly legs

More from Merriam-Webster on spindly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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