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Definition of gangly

gangly

/ˈɡæŋ.ɡli/
gan · gly
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gangly Lexical Profile

gangly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Tall, thin, and awkward in movement or posture, typically having long, slender limbs (used especially of a person or young animal).

Example

"The gangly teenager struggled to fit his long legs comfortably under the small school desk."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for gangly

• Nearby Words

gangetic
gangland
gangling
gangly
gangplank
gangrene
gangster

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a shortened alteration of "gangling", derived from the Scottish and northern English dialect verb "gangle" (to walk or move awkwardly), which is a frequentative form of Old English "gangan" (to go or walk).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gangly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gangly
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