downy

adjective

ˈdau̇-nē 

downier; downiest

1

: resembling a bird's down

2

: covered with down

3

: made of down

4

: soft, soothing

Synonyms of downy

• silky
• satin
• soft

Examples of downy in a Sentence

the downy surface of a ripe peach

Recent Examples on the Web

And when prices rocket upward — whether for food, gas or other items — consumers can count on a slow, downy descent. — Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 25 July 2026

Flavors of black cherry, star anise, and mint are set into downy tannins that linger on the palate. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

Plants produce a basal rosette of downy foliage in their first year and flower in the second season, after which the plants typically die out. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 May 2026

Enter the best dermaplaning tools, which gently whisk that downy hair off—and take buildup away with it. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing downy

• downy mildew
• downy woodpecker

Rhymes for downy

• brownie

Kids Definition

downy

adjective

ˈdau̇-nē 

downier; downiest

1

: resembling a bird's down

2

: covered with or made of down