First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
lank
adjective \ˈlaŋk\
of hair : hanging straight down in an unattractive way
Full Definition of LANK
2
: insufficient in quantity, degree, or extent
3
: hanging straight and limp without spring or curl
— lank·ly adverb
— lank·ness noun
See lank defined for English-language learners
See lank defined for kids
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Origin of LANK
Middle English, from Old English hlanc; akin to Old High German hlanca loin
Related to LANK
Synonym Discussion of LANK
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>.
LANK Defined for Kids
lank
adjective \ˈlaŋk\
lank·erlank·est
Definition of LANK for Kids
1
: not well filled out : thin <lank cattle>
2
: hanging straight and limp in an unattractive way <lank hair>
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