WordGarden.iogangly
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈæŋli/
US
- /ˈɡæŋli/
Meanings
Adjective
tall, thin, and awkward-looking in build or movement
Beyond the definition
Think of a young foal learning to walk: all legs and unsure footing. That's the idea behind gangly. It describes someone or something that is awkwardly tall and thin, with arms or legs that seem too long for the rest of the body. A gangly teenager might trip over their own feet or bump into things because they have not quite grown into themselves yet. You can also describe young trees as gangly if they are shooting up quickly but have not filled out much. It often suggests a stage of growth that may smooth out with time.
The word "gangly" paints a picture of someone or something that is tall and thin in an awkward way, often with very long arms or legs. Imagine a young giraffe taking its first steps, with long legs moving a little unevenly. That is the feeling of gangly. It is not always strongly negative; very often, it suggests youth, quick growth, and a body that has not fully settled into its shape yet. A gangly young person may seem clumsy not because they lack skill, but because their body is still adjusting.
The term usually applies to people or animals, especially adolescents going through a growth spurt, but it can also be used for plants. A gangly rose bush might have long, thin stems with only a few leaves. The word often suggests looseness, awkward movement, or a shape that seems stretched out rather than balanced.
People often use it for teenagers, young animals, or anything else that looks all legs and angles. Depending on context, it can sound gently teasing, affectionate, or simply descriptive. So if you see someone with long limbs moving in a slightly awkward way, gangly is a natural word for that tall, thin, not-quite-coordinated look.
Examples
- 1
Teenager
At thirteen, he was a gangly kid with long arms and knees that stuck out of his jeans.
- 2
Animal movement
The gangly puppy kept tripping over its own legs in the yard.
- 3
Self-consciousness
She felt gangly and awkward standing next to her graceful older sister.
- 4
Early appearance
In old photos, the actor looks like a gangly teenager, nothing like the confident star he became.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ganglyadjective