starchy

adjective

ˈstär-chē How to pronounce starchy (audio)
starchier; starchiest
Synonyms of starchynext
1
: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch
starchy foods
2
: formal, stiff
a starchy lawyer
starchily
ˈstär-chə-lē How to pronounce starchy (audio)
adverb
starchiness
ˈstär-chē-nəs How to pronounce starchy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of starchy

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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.
Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026 Forget cookies or ice cream—put me within arm’s reach of a bag of salty, fried, starchy goodness and all my willpower disappears. — Kinsey Gidick, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2026 The new research found that children in nearly every region of the world are not eating enough fruits, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and starchy vegetables. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 22 July 2026 Toss until the tomato juices and starchy pasta water emulsify to create a glossy sauce that evenly coats the noodles, adding more pasta water as needed. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 July 2026 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

Rhymes for starchy

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Browse Nearby Words

starch syrup
starchy
star cloud
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Cite this Entry

“Starchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starchy. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

starchy

adjective
ˈstär-chē How to pronounce starchy (audio)
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
ˈstär-chē How to pronounce starchy (audio)
starchier; starchiest
: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch
starchy foods

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