AKIMBO

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does akimbo mean? 

• AKIMBO (adjective)
  The adjective AKIMBO has 1 sense:

1. (used of arms and legs) bent outward with the joint away from the body

  Familiarity information: AKIMBO used as an adjective is very rare.

• AKIMBO (adverb)
  The adverb AKIMBO has 1 sense:

1. with hands on hips and elbows extending outward

  Familiarity information: AKIMBO used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AKIMBO (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(used of arms and legs) bent outward with the joint away from the body

Context example:

stood with arms akimbo

Similar:

crooked (having or marked by bends or angles; not straight or aligned)

• AKIMBO (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

With hands on hips and elbows extending outward

Context example:

she stood there akimbo

 Context examples 

Opposite her stood a brutal, heavy-faced, red-moustached young man, his gaitered legs parted wide, one arm akimbo, the other waving a riding crop, his whole attitude suggestive of triumphant bravado.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Now, then, mister,” said he, with his head cocked and his arms akimbo, “what are you driving at? Let’s have it straight, now.”

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Amy was asked, but Jo was not, which was fortunate for all parties, as her elbows were decidedly akimbo at this period of her life, and it took a good many hard knocks to teach her how to get on easily.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)