powdery

adjective

pow·​dery ˈpau̇-də-rē 

1

a

: resembling or consisting of powder

powdery snow

b

: easily reduced to powder : crumbling

2

: covered with or as if with powder

Synonyms of powdery

• dusty
• fine

Examples of powdery in a Sentence

the beach's powdery white sand

We skied down the powdery slopes.

Recent Examples on the Web

The beach is known for its clean, blue water, powdery white sand, and abundant amenities, especially for families. — Savannah Born, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026

According to the brand, this one lends an invisible hold for 48 hours without a gritty texture or powdery residue. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 16 July 2026

The main focus of this resort is that gorgeous slice of powdery pink sand and the aforementioned sand bar that extends just beyond it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

But these remarks about the powdery surface followed years of concern that dust on the Moon might be hazardous. — Elijah Tan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing powdery

• powdery mildew

Kids Definition

powdery

adjective

pow·​dery ˈpau̇d-ə-rē 

1

a

: resembling or consisting of powder

b

: easily made into a powder : crumbly

2

: covered with or as if with powder : dusty