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

• ˈlankiness, noun
• ˈlankily, adverb

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

Surviving those rides has made Shumake the fastest LGBTQ+ driver in history and, at a lanky 6 feet 4, the tallest in drag racing as well.

From Los Angeles Times

In one corner the lanky, headless skeleton of a Quetzalcoatl appears ready to take flight.

From Los Angeles Times

He grew up tall and lanky, playing multiple sports until growing into his lineman body.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a large, robust cat about the size of a jaguar, with an elongated face, lanky front legs, and a sloping back that ended in a bobtail.

From Science Daily

The lanky Yank had driven the spud-loving critter off his land more times than he could count, and the $10 he’d invested in a peck of potato seeds was disappearing with every bite.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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