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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.
The little nightingale loved her mother’s voice too, its fizzy trajectory striking the filaments of her downiest feathers. Hazlitt, 19 Nov. 2025 It’s called lanugo, which is a downy hair that appears on the skin. Leia Mendoza, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025 Well, for starters, cashmere comes from the downy undercoat of specific breeds of goats. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025 Fill a woven tray with small gourds, mini pumpkin decorations, and a glass vase filled with downy milkweed seeds. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 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 2 Dec. 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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