downier; downiest
1
: resembling a bird's down
2
: covered with down
3
: made of down
4

Examples of downy in a Sentence

the downy surface of a ripe peach
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He is still covered in downy feathers and scrambles about on skinny legs, not yet ready to take flight. Kate Wong, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2025 Tuck into a few of the downy bao buns—the beef with pickled daikon, mayo, chili and coriander is a marvel, but don’t miss the bao with hoisin duck, pickled daikon, ginger, spring onions and cucumber—the salty crunch contrast with the steamed bun is delish. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 This vigorous grower has soft, downy leaves in 12-inch mounds and starry, yellow-green flowers that emerge above them in summer. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2025 Penguin chicks hatch with fluffy downy feathers that aren't waterproof. Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for downy

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of downy was in 1551

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downy. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

downy

adjective
downier; downiest
1
: resembling a bird's down
2
: covered with or made of down

More from Merriam-Webster on downy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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