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>.

Rhymes with LANKY

LANKILY 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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