lanky
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Adjectives
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.
Some of Ayton’s shooting struggles have depended on where the lanky 7-foot-1 Holmgren has been on the court, Redick said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026
Flament grew up in Belgium, but, finding no way into the French club system, moved to Loughborough University for its rugby programme, arriving as a lanky fly-half and initially playing for the university's fifth team.
From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026
But he had to work hard to tame the lanky 24-year-old, who showed his potential with a maiden ATP title last year.
From Barron's • Jan. 18, 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
His lanky arms fell to his sides, harmless.
From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon
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.
