spindly

adjective

spin·​dly ˈspin(d)-lē How to pronounce spindly (audio)
ˈspin-dᵊl-ē
spindlier; spindliest
Synonyms of spindlynext
1
: of a disproportionately tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness
spindly legs
2
: frail or flimsy in appearance or structure
a spindly tower

Examples of spindly in a Sentence

spindly, underfed dogs roamed the poverty-stricken village
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Oh no, Armand’s got his spindly roots in the band! Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 June 2026 In the video, the musician trashes an apartment, gets out of a cop car, and runs through a field at golden hour with spindly pylons in the background. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026 Remove thin and spindly stems that can't hold up the weight of flowers, especially crossing stems. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 Without pruning, Russian sage can become spindly, leggy, and overgrown. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spindly

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spindly was in 1651

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spindly. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

spindly

adjective
spin·​dly ˈspin-(d)lē How to pronounce spindly (audio)
-dᵊl-ē
spindlier; spindliest
: of a tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness
spindly legs

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