lanky
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of lanky
Explanation
Use the adjective lanky to describe someone who’s tall, thin, and a little bit gawky. A lanky person is not only tall and thin but also a little bit awkward. You wouldn’t use lanky to describe a tall, slender person who moves gracefully. Instead use lanky to describe someone who moves clumsily on his long limbs. You’ve probably seen a lanky basketball player who moves awkwardly but is still able to make the play, or a lanky teenager who seems to be made up entirely of long legs and long arms.
Vocabulary lists containing lanky
15 Synonyms for "Thin": An Eileen Ford (1922-2014) Tribute List
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"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Eight
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Life Is So Good
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He was dismissed by the lanky spinner and afterwards appeared to question the legitimacy of his bowling action.
From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026
A lanky, six-foot-five 72-old, Druckenmiller got his start in the trust department of Pittsburgh National Bank, before running mutual funds for Dreyfus.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026
At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Michael was still growing into his lanky frame and taking classes at Ohio State.
From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026
"I really love it," the lanky 14-year-old said, "because I can talk in person with my classmates again."
From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025
Because he looked a little dorky with his tall, lanky body?
From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
