powdery

adjective

pow·​dery ˈpau̇-də-rē 

1

a

: resembling or consisting of powder

powdery snow

b

: easily reduced to powder : crumbling

2

: covered with or as if with powder

Synonyms of powdery

• dusty
• fine

Examples of powdery in a Sentence

the beach's powdery white sand

We skied down the powdery slopes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Crystal-clear waters lap at powdery sands in the Corn Islands, considered some of the last truly untouched islands in the Caribbean. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025

Juicy peach and plum top notes give way to a musky, woody base of white moss, sandalwood, and orcanox, while powdery orris leaves a subtle yet lingering orchard-like trail. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 29 Nov. 2025

Overnight, the summer green of our lawns surrendered to a soft, powdery dusting. —Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 28 Nov. 2025

Loewe’s new Iris Root caters to the floral lovers out there, who prefer a light, powdery fragrance, while the cedarwood and leather notes in Maison d’Etto’s Rotano might appeal to fans of woodier notes. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing powdery

• powdery mildew

Kids Definition

powdery

adjective

pow·​dery ˈpau̇d-ə-rē 

1

a

: resembling or consisting of powder

b

: easily made into a powder : crumbly

2

: covered with or as if with powder : dusty