powder

verb pow·der \ ˈpau̇-dər \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of powder

powdered; powdering play \ˈpau̇-d(ə-)riŋ\

transitive verb

1 : to sprinkle or cover with or as if with powder

2 : to reduce or convert to powder

3 : to hit very hard

intransitive verb

1 : to become powder

2 : to apply cosmetic powder

—

powderer

play \ˈpau̇-dər-ər\ noun

See powder defined for English-language learners

Examples of powder in a Sentence

She powdered her face and put on lipstick.
you have to powder the antibiotic tablet and mix it with food

Recent Examples of powder from the Web

Other seasonings used to in this dish are powdered rosemary and porcini powder.

— joanne kempinger demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Spice savvy: These 7 trendy seasonings will add pizzazz to your cooking," 27 Feb. 2018
That year, more than 13 inches powdered the ground.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Snow and then: Photos from South Texas' memorable snowfalls," 9 Dec. 2017
Delish reports that a German consumer group found that the quantities of powdered skimmed milk in Nutella had increased from 7.5% to 8.7%, while the sugar content rose from 55.9% to 56.3%.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "Alert! Nutella Changed Its Recipe," 8 Nov. 2017
Will China’s toilet revolution flush away the country’s reputation as an outmoded place to powder your nose?

— erin blakemore, Smithsonian, "China Will Transform 100,000 Toilets for the Sake of Tourism," 10 Jan. 2017
Then on fourth down, the Giants finally ran the ball up the middle – and went backward, with Orleans Darkwa getting his behind powdered by the entire Eagles defense.

— bob ford, Philly.com, "Doug Pederson calls a head-scratcher | Bob Ford," 24 Sep. 2017
Once remains are exhumed, scientists will take teeth or bone samples and powder them down to extract DNA, which will then be compared to a database of DNA from living relatives of the missing.

— stephanie farr, Philly.com, "Vietnam making slow progress in finding lost soldiers," 20 Sep. 2017
Legal Lean is selling the Coco Loko powdered chocolate meant to be snorted on its own website, and on Amazon, where a 1.25 ounce container costs $24.99.

— paul brinkmann, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Four Loko drink maker sues Orlando’s snortable chocolate startup," 14 July 2017
While being prepped by her glam squad, Pink nursed son Jameson — who kindly helped powder his mom's décolletage at the same time.

— maria yagoda, PEOPLE.com, "#MommyGoals: Celeb Moms Who Get Glam with Their Babies Like It's NBD," 7 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'powder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of powder

14th century

powder Synonyms

Synonyms

atomize, beat, comminute, crush, disintegrate, grind, mill, pound, pulverize;

Related Words

grate;

crumble, crunch;

break, bust, dash, fracture, fragment;

shatter, smash, splinter;

powder

noun, often attributive

Definition of powder

1 : matter in a finely divided state : particulate matter

2 a : a preparation in the form of fine particles especially for medicinal or cosmetic use

b : fine dry light snow

3 : any of various solid explosives used chiefly in gunnery and blasting

—

powderless

play \ˈpau̇-dər-ləs\ adjective

—

powderlike

play \ˈpau̇-dər-ˌlīk\ adjective

See powder defined for English-language learners

See powder defined for kids

Examples of powder in a Sentence

The powder is made from the roots of the plant.
Mix together the different powders.
She crushed the peppercorns into a fine powder.
We're running low on baby powder and diapers.
We woke this morning to several inches of fresh powder on the ground.

Recent Examples of powder from the Web

Top with more paprika, toasted sesame, herbs and garlic powder.

— ali bouzari, San Francisco Chronicle, "Housemade: The silent science behind three signature dishes at Duna," 12 Apr. 2018
In a small saucepan, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, flour and garlic powder.

— robin miller, azcentral, "Have a date with Netflix? Easy, healthy finger food recipes to get you through binge-worthy shows," 11 Apr. 2018
Calla Lily Cookies 3 large eggs ¾ cup sugar ½ teaspoon baking powder1 drop vanilla ¾ cup unbleached flour Whipped cream or non dairy topping Pineapple spears Beat together eggs and sugar with a mixer at medium-high speed until blended.

— judy buchenot, Naperville Sun, "Suburban Cooks: Remembering mom through recipes, traditions and food stories," 9 Apr. 2018
In a small bowl, mix cumin, garlic powder, paprika, pepper and salt.

— atlanta life, ajc, "7 Day Menu Planner," 6 Apr. 2018
Makes about 40 ½ cup powdered sugar for rolling 2 cups shelled, unsalted peanuts ½ teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground cloves Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

— florence steinberger, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mimouna sweets, a Moroccan tradition, herald the end of Passover," 3 Apr. 2018
Biscuits 2 cups flour (Merritt recommends White Lily brand) 1 tablespoon baking powder1 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup salted butter 2/3 cup milk 1/4 cup butter, melted 1.

— celestina blok, star-telegram, "Need a new recipe for Easter brunch? Local chefs share faves from their restaurants | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 27 Mar. 2018
Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, garlic powder, hot red pepper sauce, salt and black pepper.

— susan selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Welcome springtime with these beautiful brunch recipes," 25 Mar. 2018
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/2 cup milk with the cornstarch and garlic powder.

— maya wilson, Anchorage Daily News, "Jalapeno popper macaroni and cheese: A childhood favorite grows up," 15 Feb. 2018

Origin and Etymology of powder

Middle English poudre, from Anglo-French pudre, podre, from Latin pulver-, pulvis dust; probably akin to Sanskrit palāva chaff

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Powder

geographical name Pow·der \ ˈpau̇-dər \

Definition of Powder

1 river 150 miles (241 kilometers) long in eastern Oregon flowing into the Snake River

2 river 375 miles (604 kilometers) long in northern Wyoming and southeastern Montana flowing north into the Yellowstone River

POWDER Defined for English Language Learners

powder

verb

Definition of powder for English Language Learners

: to put powder on (your face or body)

powder

noun

Definition of powder for English Language Learners

: a dry substance made up of very tiny pieces of something
: a very fine, dry substance that is put on your body or face especially to make it dry or less shiny
: snow that is very light and dry

POWDER Defined for Kids

powder

verb pow·der \ ˈpau̇-dər \

Definition of powder for Students

powdered; powdering

1 : to sprinkle or cover with or as if with fine particles of something

The cookies were powdered with sugar.

2 : to reduce or change to powder

powder

noun

Definition of powder for Students

1 : a dry substance made up of fine particles

The stone was crushed into powder.

2 : something (as a food, medicine, or cosmetic) made in or changed to the form of a powder

garlic powder

3 : gunpowder

Medical Dictionary

powder

noun pow·der \ ˈpau̇d-ər \

medical Definition of powder

: a product in the form of discrete usually fine particles; specifically : a medicine or medicated preparation in the form of a powder

antiseptic powder

digestive powder

Learn More about powder

See words that rhyme with powder Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for powder Spanish Central: Translation of powder Nglish: Translation of powder for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of powder for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about powder

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powder

Definition of powder

powderer

Examples of powder in a Sentence

Recent Examples of powder from the Web

First Known Use of powder

powder Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

powder

Definition of powder

powderless

powderlike

Examples of powder in a Sentence

Recent Examples of powder from the Web

Origin and Etymology of powder

Powder

Definition of Powder

Phrases Related to POWDER

Related Phrases

POWDER Defined for English Language Learners

powder

Definition of powder for English Language Learners

powder

Definition of powder for English Language Learners

POWDER Defined for Kids

powder

Definition of powder for Students

powder

Definition of powder for Students

Medical Dictionary

powder

medical Definition of powder

Learn More about powder

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