lanky

[ lang-kee ]

adjective

, lank·i·er, lank·i·est.

1. ungracefully thin and rawboned; bony; gaunt:

   a very tall and lanky man.

lanky

/ ˈlæŋkɪ /

adjective

1. tall, thin, and loose-jointed

Derived Forms

• ˈlankily, adverb
• ˈlankiness, noun

Other Words From

• lanki·ly adverb
• lanki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lanky¹

First recorded in 1660–70; lank + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Glen’s long arms and legs qualify as lanky, but his accomplishments, confidence, and clarity give him a muscular air of leadership.

From Outside Online

The former Iowa State Cyclone and Chicago standout is 6-foot-4 and has lanky arms that lead to an impressive 7-foot-1 wingspan, making him a steal and deflection threat on defense and helping him to score quickly off the bench.

From Ozy

Terrell was talented, already tall and lanky as a 10-year-old.

From Washington Post

The lanky young man approached Mary saying he wanted to dance with her “in the worst way.”

From Washington Post

When you are 6-foot-4 and describe yourself as “lanky as hell,” a Zoom date might not be a bad way to meet someone for the first time.

From Washington Post

Letterman is a senior-citizen-aged lanky Midwesterner who is clever but never too edgy with his guests.

From The Daily Beast

The lanky, scandal-scarred former Congressman and purveyor of the now colloquial sext, has lived and died by the tweet.

From The Daily Beast

The Clintons were taking a gamble by embracing the lanky onetime long shot who now stepped up to take the oath.

From The Daily Beast

The heads are the only large aspects of these characters; no one appears tall or lanky.

From The Daily Beast

Yet it is no exaggeration to say this lanky Texan with prodigious talent fired a huge salvo in the thawing of the Cold War.

From The Daily Beast

Even Tim, so fine and big, had in this homely, lanky man a rival well worth watching.

From Project Gutenberg

My lean and lanky form filled out, and I became familiar with the greeting of my friends: “Why, how well you look!”

From Project Gutenberg

Weston I had always known as a lanky man, but about his loosely fitting garments there had been an air of careless distinction.

From Project Gutenberg

The officer in charge assigns me to a machine occupied by a lanky prisoner in stripes.

From Project Gutenberg

I was one of those long, lanky, loose-jointed girls Who fool people into believing They are willowy and psychic and mysterious.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• angular
• gangly
• gaunt
• rangy
• scrawny
• slender
• spindly