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Definition of gawky

gawky

/ˈɡɔː.ki/
gaw · ky
Adverb:gawkily
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gawky Lexical Profile

gawky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Nervously awkward, ungainly, and lacking grace in physical movement or posture, especially when tall and thin.

Example

"The newborn foal stood on long, gawky legs as it took its first unsteady steps across the pasture."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for gawky

• Nearby Words

gawk
gawker
gawkily
gawky
gawp
gawper
gay

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 18th century from the dialectal noun 'gawk' (meaning an awkward person or a left-handed person), likely derived from the Old Norse 'gaflok' or related Germanic roots denoting clumsiness.

Cite this Entry

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