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Spindly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Spindly describes something long, thin, and often weak or frail in appearance, like the legs of a small insect or a fragile plant stem. It suggests a lack of sturdiness.

spindly

/ˈspɪndli/ /ˈspɪndli/

Definition:

Thin and weak in appearance, often with long, narrow limbs.

Synonyms:

lanky, gangly, slender, wiry

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

sturdy, robust, thick

Common Collocations:

spindly legs, spindly branches, spindly fingers

Derivatives:

spindle, spindliness

Usage Tips:

Use "spindly" to describe something thin and fragile-looking, like plants or limbs.

Common Phrases:

spindly as a spider’s legs, spindly like a twig

Etymology:

Derived from "spindle," referring to something long and thin like a spindle rod.

Examples:

  • 1. The old chair had spindly legs that wobbled under weight.
  • 2. She admired the spindly trees stretching toward the sky.
  • 3. His spindly arms made lifting heavy objects difficult.
  • 4. The spider’s spindly legs moved swiftly across the wall.

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