lanky

[ lang-kee ]

See synonyms for lanky on Thesaurus.com

adjective,lank·i·er, lank·i·est.

ungracefully thin and rawboned; bony; gaunt: a very tall and lanky man.

Origin of lanky

First recorded in 1660–70; lank + -y¹

Other words from lanky

lank·i·ly, adverb
lank·i·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use lanky in a sentence

As he came along toward the main entrance he saw Andrew Higgins, the longest, lankiest Phi of them all, bearing down upon him.
Stanford Stories | Charles K. Field
Some of the competitors were poorly developed but the lankiest and skinniest were often excellent wrestlers.
The Foundations of Japan | J.W. Robertson Scott

British Dictionary definitions for lanky

lanky

/ (ˈlæŋkɪ) /

adjectivelankier or lankiest

tall, thin, and loose-jointed

Derived forms of lanky

lankily, adverb
lankiness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Browse