starchier; starchiest
1
: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch
starchy foods
2
: formal, stiff
a starchy lawyer
starchily adverb
starchiness noun

Examples of starchy in a Sentence

a starchy and demanding teacher
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.
Both starchy and non-starchy vegetables can be part of a balanced diet. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 24 Apr. 2025 The butter and cheese emulsifying into that starchy slurry of a liquid is where true magic happens. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025 The name is a play on the cute, chunky thighs of babies that are reminiscent of a yam, the starchy tuber’s importance within the diaspora, as well as the traditions of midwifery and doula work that go way back. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025 Now that Kaya has been promoted to detective, Elsbeth’s patrol officer is Nikki Reynolds, who is more buttoned-up than Kaya but not quite as starchy as Lieutenant Connor. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for starchy

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of starchy was in 1633

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Starchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starchy. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

starchy

adjective
starchier; starchiest
1
: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch
starchy foods
2
: consisting of or marked by formality or stiffness
starchiness noun

Medical Definition

starchy

adjective
starchier; starchiest
: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch
starchy foods

More from Merriam-Webster on starchy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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