adjective
gangly
GANG-lee/ɡˈæŋli/
Tall and thin, with an awkward build or movement.
The gangly young woman unfolds her long limbs from the chair.
Etymology
Gangling meant “long and loose-jointed,” connecting the word with awkward build and movement. Its connection to a verb meaning “walk” seems to involve looseness in walking, though intermediate forms are not recorded.
In context
She built a vaudeville and Broadway franchise around a gangly character named Letty.
More examples
- A gangly puppy stumbled over its long legs.
- He had a tall, gangly build.
- Her gangly movements became more graceful with practice.
Forms
gangly · ganglier · gangliest
Similar words
- lanky
- Lanky means tall and thin; gangly adds awkwardness in proportions or movement.
- gawky
- Gawky means awkward; gangly specifically suggests long, thin limbs.