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Definition of slender

slender

/ˈslɛn.dər/
slen · der
Adverb:slenderly
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slender Lexical Profile

slender Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Gracefully thin, narrow, or slight in width or circumference (of a person, body part, or object).

Example

"The tall, slender birch trees swayed gently in the autumn breeze."

2

Barely sufficient in amount, extent, or strength; meager or small.

Example

"The visiting team held on to a slender lead during the final minutes of the match."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for slender
Antonyms
View all antonyms for slender

Word Nuance & Usage

When describing a person's physique, 'slender' carries a positive, complimentary connotation of grace and elegance, whereas 'skinny' or 'scrawny' can sound critical or imply poor health.

• Rhymes for slender

• Nearby Words

sleeveless
sleigh
sleight
slender
slender betta
slender blind snake
slender-snouted crocodile

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in Middle English as 'slendre' or 'sclendre', likely borrowed from an unattested Anglo-French word related to Old Dutch 'slinder' (thin, dragony), ultimately tracing back to a Germanic root meaning 'to slide or slip'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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