# lanky

/ˈɫæŋki/ (US) · /lˈæŋki/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lanky
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

tall and thin in a way that looks a bit awkward or unsteady. You use this to describe someone who seems to have long legs and arms but not much muscle.

For teachers: tall and thin in a manner that suggests a lack of coordination or a gangly appearance.

## Examples

- The teenager looked lanky in his oversized sweater.
- He was a lanky young man who spent most of his time playing basketball at the local court.
- The actor's lanky frame and long limbs made him an ideal choice for the role of a restless, awkward youth navigating a crowded city.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.