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

• 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

Afterwards, a squaring solution—a powdery mixture of water and a gel-like batter used in the decorative cake business—is applied to the inside of the hat’s crown to act as a stiffening agent. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025

Bloom is the fine, powdery film that coats grapes, giving them a frosty appearance. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025

The former podcaster caught a break on the possession charge after testing was done on a powdery substance found in his pocket. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025

Pockets of that fine, powdery rock still linger today on the volcano’s flanks and inside the crater. —Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 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