starchy

adjective

ˈstär-chē 

starchier; starchiest

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch

starchy foods

2

: formal, stiff

a starchy lawyer

starchily

ˈstär-chə-lē 

adverb

starchiness

ˈstär-chē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of starchy

• formal
• decorous
• nice
• stiff
• ceremonious
• proper
• correct

Examples of starchy in a Sentence

a starchy and demanding teacher

Recent Examples on the Web

Pair with a side of non-starchy vegetables or a side salad instead of chips. — Verywell Health, 6 July 2026

Dirty Rice is a creamy, starchy, sweet skin scent with some oomph from vetiver and animalic musk to add a sensual, addictive element to the mixture. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 17 June 2026

Avoid adding oil to water; instead, stir occasionally and reserve 1 cup of starchy water for sauce. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026

The sugars in corn kernels break down very fast, turning your corn unpleasantly starchy. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for starchy

• archie

Kids Definition

starchy

adjective

ˈstär-chē 

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 

starchier; starchiest

: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch

starchy foods