starchy

adjective

ˈstär-chē 

starchier; starchiest

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch

starchy foods

2

: formal, stiff

a starchy lawyer

starchily

ˈstär-chə-lē 

adverb

starchiness

ˈstär-chē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of starchy

• formal
• decorous
• nice
• stiff
• ceremonious
• proper
• correct

Examples of starchy in a Sentence

a starchy and demanding teacher

Recent Examples on the Web

Johnson’s bananas were starchy plantains likely meant to be cooked rather than eaten fresh. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Apr. 2026

Cook the instant noodles according to package directions and drain, reserving most of the starchy noodle water. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

Too Many Starchy Vegetables In large amounts, starchy veggies like corn or peas can add calories and a lot of carbohydrates to your salad. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2026

Short grain Arborio rice (the same variety used for risotto) is the ideal rice for this pudding because the grains are short and starchy; as the rice cooks, the starch transforms the milk and water into a thick, rich sauce. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for starchy

• archie

Kids Definition

starchy

adjective

ˈstär-chē 

starchier; starchiest

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch

starchy foods

2

: consisting of or marked by formality or stiffness

starchiness noun

Medical Definition

starchy

adjective

ˈstär-chē 

starchier; starchiest

: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch

starchy foods