spindly

[spind-lee]

adjective

spindlier, spindliest 

1. long or tall, thin, and usually frail.

   The colt wobbled on its spindly legs.

spindly

/ ˈspɪndlɪ /

adjective

1. tall, slender, and frail; attenuated

Word History and Origins

Origin of spindly¹

First recorded in 1645–55; spindle + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“What on earth . . .” But before Penelope could say “. . . is an ostrich doing at Ashton Place?” the giant creature blinked and bounded off into the woods on its spindly legs at a truly astonishing speed.

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Certain deep-sea fish had glowing fins, while others had glowing teeth, and still others had spindly glowing lures that dangled from their heads.

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It’s a verdant thicket of spindly branches that towers over a straw-hatted man in the shadow below, no doubt seeking respite from the heat.

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The colt was born while Hunter was driving home for a short break before fall camp, its spindly legs still wobbly in the pasture.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She slept more and more, but anytime I changed rooms she would slowly rouse herself and follow on unsteady, spindly legs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• elongated www.thesaurus.com
• frail 
• lanky 
• rangy 
• skinny 
• slender