papery
adjective
pa·pery
ˈpā-p(ə-)rē 
: resembling paper in thinness or consistency
papery leaves
papery silk
paperiness
noun
Examples of papery in a Sentence
a berry with papery skin
the papery wing of a moth
Recent Examples on the Web
Hornet nests are made from a papery substance, are usually a closed structure that’s cylindrical in form, and may be built in the eaves of your home, under a roof, in a tree, or in another sheltered spot.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026
In many cases, these brown lines have a dry, papery texture that's left behind as the plant grows and unfurls new leaves.
—Heather Bien, The Spruce, 7 June 2026
The wasps build their nests by breaking down plant and wood fibers to form a papery substance.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 3 June 2026
Green hydrangea varieties have a waxy feel, while the other types are papery to the touch.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
These charming cool-season flowers are known for their showy, delicate, papery blooms and exceptional vase life.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 13 Mar. 2026
When selecting onions, look for those that are without blemishes or discoloration, feel firm, and have dry, papery skins.
—Melissa Porrey Lpc, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2025
Woven patches have a dry, papery hand feel, in contrast to the glossier finish of contemporary labels.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Unlike the papery hives of social wasps, mud dauber wasps build small clusters or tubular structures from mud.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
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Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026
In many cases, these brown lines have a dry, papery texture that's left behind as the plant grows and unfurls new leaves.
—Heather Bien, The Spruce, 7 June 2026
The wasps build their nests by breaking down plant and wood fibers to form a papery substance.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 3 June 2026
Green hydrangea varieties have a waxy feel, while the other types are papery to the touch.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
These charming cool-season flowers are known for their showy, delicate, papery blooms and exceptional vase life.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 13 Mar. 2026
When selecting onions, look for those that are without blemishes or discoloration, feel firm, and have dry, papery skins.
—Melissa Porrey Lpc, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2025
Woven patches have a dry, papery hand feel, in contrast to the glossier finish of contemporary labels.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Unlike the papery hives of social wasps, mud dauber wasps build small clusters or tubular structures from mud.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Papery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papery. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
papery
adjective
pa·pery
ˈpā-p(ə-)rē
: resembling paper in thinness or firmness
papery leaves
paperiness
noun
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