filmy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈfil-mē 

filmier; filmiest

1

: of, resembling, or composed of film : gauzy

filmy draperies

2

: covered with a haze or film

filmy glassware

filmily

ˈfil-mə-lē 

adverb

filminess

ˈfil-mē-nəs 

noun

filminess

2 of 2

noun

film·​i·​ness -mēnə̇s 

-min-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being filmy

pleased by the filminess of the dress material

Synonyms of filmy

Adjective

• gauzy
• frothy
• gossamer
• flimsy
• cobwebby
• insubstantial
• unsubstantial
• sleazy
• delicate
• sheer
• fine
• fragile
• transparent

Examples of filmy in a Sentence

Adjective

filmy cobwebs covering the entryway to the cellar

those filmy curtains don't block out enough light

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Skin that feels tight or filmy after showering and hair that looks dull despite quality products are other common red flags. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026

White mineral buildup on fixtures, soap that won’t lather and a tight or filmy feeling after rinsing all point to hard water. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026

When the Niagara Falls become the Frozen Falls, icicles dangle off the edge of the cliffs and clouds of frozen mist bathe the scene in a filmy white. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026

Beyond the filmy windows, the sun had dipped below the jagged mountain horizon. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

filmy

adjective

ˈfil-mē 

filmier; filmiest

: of, resembling, suggesting, or made of film

filminess noun