papery

adjective

pa·​pery ˈpā-p(ə-)rē 

: resembling paper in thinness or consistency

papery leaves

papery silk

paperiness noun

Examples of papery in a Sentence

a berry with papery skin

the papery wing of a moth

Recent Examples on the Web

Zones 3-9 Oriental Poppy The brightly colored flowers of Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale), with their delicate, papery petals, bloom in mid to late spring, sometimes until early summer. — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

Late-summer and early fall weeds typically feature fingerlike grass spikes, papery composite daisylike heads, or dense, spiked seed clusters. — Manjot Kaur Sidhu, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

There are a few signs of fading to watch out for, including the flowers beginning to close, losing their firmness, and developing a dry, papery texture. — The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

The wasps build their nests by breaking down plant and wood fibers to form a papery substance. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for papery

• drapery

Kids Definition

papery

adjective

pa·​pery ˈpā-p(ə-)rē 

: resembling paper in thinness or firmness

papery leaves

paperiness noun