grainy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈgrā-nē 

grainier; grainiest

1

: resembling or having some characteristic of grain : not smooth or fine

2

of a photograph : appearing to be composed of grain-like particles

graininess noun

graininess

2 of 2

noun

grain·​i·​ness

ˈgrānēnə̇s, 

-nin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being grainy

Synonyms of grainy

Adjective

• coarse
• grained
• sandy
• granular

Examples of grainy in a Sentence

Adjective

The mustard has a grainy texture.

grainy sand kept it off the rankings as one of the nation's best beaches

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Made up of butter, sugar, cinnamon, and ginger, the warm streusel topping has the perfect grainy texture and will instantly melt in your mouth. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

In the series of photos, Brooks, 30, showed off her wedding look — a matching pink halter and skirt set with pink bow pumps — and shared a grainy Polaroid picture of her and Hemsworth, 36. — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

Because Jenkin films on grainy 16mm and overdubs his actors’ dialogue, said Tim Grierson in the Los Angeles Times, his movies have a disorienting effect. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 30 June 2026

Just be careful not to add water, since even tiny amounts can cause melted chocolate to turn into a grainy, clumpy mess. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grainy

• brainy
• cheyney
• rainey
• zany
• allegany
• miscellany
• theophany
• terrane