Dictionary
lanky
adjective \ˈlaŋ-kē\
: tall and thin with usually an awkward quality
lank·i·erlank·i·est
Full Definition of LANKY
: ungracefully tall and thin
— lank·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb
— lank·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun
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First Known Use of LANKY
circa 1818
Synonym Discussion of LANKY
lean, spare, lank, lanky, gaunt, rawboned, scrawny, skinny mean thin because of an absence of excess flesh. lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours <a lean racehorse>. spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise <the gymnast's spare figure>. lank implies tallness as well as leanness <the lank legs of the heron>. lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness <a lanky youth, all arms and legs>. gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering <a prisoner's gaunt face>. rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment <a rawboned farmer>. scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality <a scrawny chicken> <skinny street urchins>.
LANKY Defined for Kids
lanky
adjective \ˈlaŋ-kē\
lank·i·erlank·i·est
Definition of LANKY for Kids
: very tall and thin <a lanky teenager>
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