Light-boned

Describing a person or animal with a slender, delicate, and often graceful build, characterized by having bones that are relatively thin, fine, and light in proportion to their overall size. This physical characteristic often contributes to an impression of agility, nimbleness, and sometimes fragility. The term emphasizes a lack of bulkiness or heaviness. It can be applied to both humans and animals, often used to describe breeds of horses, dogs, or other creatures with a refined appearance. This quality contrasts with a more robust or heavily-boned physique, implying a different balance of strength and movement.

Light-boned meaning with examples

• The dancer, a vision of effortless grace, moved across the stage with a light-boned physique. Her lithe frame made every movement seem fluid and ethereal, allowing her to captivate the audience with her stunning ballet. Her delicate appearance and light bones were perfect for the demanding performance.
• The thoroughbred horse, known for its speed and stamina, was visibly light-boned, its slender legs and streamlined body built for racing. It moved at ease, almost flying over the turf track. Its light-boned structure was a significant contributor to its impressive agility.
• She was a light-boned woman, her small frame making her look almost fragile. She was often described as a 'delicate flower' because of her small stature. Despite appearances she was quite strong willed.
• The greyhound, famed for its incredible speed, is an example of a light-boned breed, its fine bone structure optimized for swift movement. It displayed a sleek appearance, able to run effortlessly.
• The artist often painted ethereal figures with light-boned features, capturing a sense of delicacy and vulnerability in her work. They were thin, frail, and slender creating a look and emotion for the viewers.