spindly
adjective
spin·dly
ˈspin(d)-lē 
ˈspin-dᵊl-ē
spindlier; spindliest
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
Her long, spindly body operates in an anticipatory arch, her body gliding across the pitch in long, laboured strides until igniting into a blur, a combination of ferocity and grace.
—
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Spiderwort can become spindly in deep shade or dry out in the sun, making partial sun just the spot for it in the South.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 June 2025
His self-presentation is not that of a postmodern auteur, poised to trounce his critics, but of a goofy man off to the side with spectator shoes, spindly legs, and ginormous hands.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Planting sun-loving plants in a shady site usually results in plants with spindly growth and few, if any, flowers.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spindly
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Megan Feringa, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Spiderwort can become spindly in deep shade or dry out in the sun, making partial sun just the spot for it in the South.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 June 2025
His self-presentation is not that of a postmodern auteur, poised to trounce his critics, but of a goofy man off to the side with spectator shoes, spindly legs, and ginormous hands.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Planting sun-loving plants in a shady site usually results in plants with spindly growth and few, if any, flowers.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spindly
Cite this Entry
“Spindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spindly. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spindly
adjective
spin·dly
ˈspin-(d)lē
-dᵊl-ē
spindlier; spindliest
: of a tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness
spindly legs
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