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.
Drain, but — and this is vital — reserve the salty, starchy pasta cooking water. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 Silverfish are harmless but destructive pests that feed on starchy items like paper, glue, and fabric. — Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 3 Aug. 2026 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 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 18 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

More from Merriam-Webster on starchy

Nglish: Translation of starchy for Spanish Speakers

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