pa·pery
ˈpā-p(ə-)rē 
: resembling paper in thinness or consistency
papery leaves
papery silk
paperiness
noun
pa·per·i·ness
ˈpāp(ə)rēnə̇s,
-rin-
plural -es
: the condition of being papery
the whole plant is of a dry paperiness, like the everlastings—
M. B. Eldershaw
M. B. EldershawExamples of papery in a Sentence
Adjective
a berry with papery skin
the papery wing of a moth
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Leaving bulb whole, remove any loose, papery outer layers.
—Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 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
Or is it made with some papery thin blend that's going to leave you freezing your butt off?
—Christian Gollayan, Men's Health, 16 Nov. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Adjective
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
Leaving bulb whole, remove any loose, papery outer layers.
—Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 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
Or is it made with some papery thin blend that's going to leave you freezing your butt off?
—Christian Gollayan, Men's Health, 16 Nov. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Papery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papery. Accessed 12 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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