akimbo

[ uh-kim-boh ]

adjective

1. with hand on hip and elbow bent outward:

   to stand with arms akimbo.

2. (of limbs) splayed out in an awkward or ungainly manner:

   After the strenuous hike, she sat on the floor with her legs akimbo.

3. (of limbs) fully extended in opposite directions:

   The dancer warmed up with his arms and legs stretched akimbo.

4. to one side; askew; awry: He woke up from his nap, hair akimbo.

   They wore their hats akimbo.

   He woke up from his nap, hair akimbo.

akimbo

/ əˈkɪmbəʊ /

adjective

1. arms akimbo or with arms akimbo
   with hands on hips and elbows projecting outwards

Word History and Origins

Origin of akimbo¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English in kenebowe, from unattested Old Norse i keng boginn “bent into a crook” ( i “in,” keng, accusative of kengr “hook,” boginn, past participle of bjūga “to bend”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of akimbo¹

C15 in kenebowe, literally: in keen bow, that is, in a sharp curve

Example Sentences

The great Victoria Clark won a Tony Award for her performance in “Kimberly Akimbo,” and the question was always who could fill her shoes when David Lindsay Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s Tony-winning musical went on tour.

From Los Angeles Times

Based on the 2000 play by Lindsay-Abaire, “Kimberly Akimbo,” an exquisitely life-affirming show, proceeds with off-kilter comedy.

From Los Angeles Times

The lesson of ‘Kimberly Akimbo,” as expressed in the final number “Great Adventure,” is that we’re all “sailing to a distant shore,” so “just enjoy the view, because no one gets a second time around.”

From Los Angeles Times

Although I admired the heralded Broadway production, I found myself more open to the quirky charms of “Kimberly Akimbo” at the Hollywood Pantages.

From Los Angeles Times

Seth, who loves anagrams and puzzles of any kind, scrambles Kimberly Levaco’s name into Cleverly Akimbo.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• jagged