spindly

American  

[spind-lee] / ˈspɪnd li /

adjective

spindlier, spindliest

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

   The colt wobbled on its spindly legs.

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spindly British  

/ ˈspɪndlɪ /

adjective

1. tall, slender, and frail; attenuated

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Etymology

Origin of spindly

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

Example Sentences

And up on its sixth-story terrace you are above the rooftops of Harlem and can see, far to the south, Central Park and the cluster of spindly supertalls beyond.

From The Wall Street Journal

Over a picnic table in a field, this kind-eyed, spindly musician, visibly dealing with Parkinson’s, is informed that Sammy is the son he never knew he had.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, lifting one spindly leg at a time, she took a tentative step toward them.

From Literature

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

From Literature

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• elongated
• frail
• lanky
• rangy
• skinny
• slender