grainier; grainiest
Synonyms of grainynext
1
: resembling or having some characteristic of grain : not smooth or fine
2
of a photograph : appearing to be composed of grain-like particles
graininess noun

Examples of grainy in a Sentence

The mustard has a grainy texture. grainy sand kept it off the rankings as one of the nation's best beaches
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.
To my delighted surprise, the grainy image ended up running in the magazine’s table of contents page a couple of months later. Mark Guiducci, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026 Recently there were pani puri filled with his mother’s wonderfully tangy, grainy cheesecake and strawberry lassi. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Apples tend to be crisp with a tangy-sweet flavor, while pears are softer, with a grainier texture and a more mellow sweetness. Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Feb. 2026 Others noted a grainier texture with an acidic or vinegar flavor. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grainy

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grainy was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Grainy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grainy. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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