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

Some research indicates that eating carbohydrates last—after protein, fats, and non-starchy vegetables—reduces post-meal blood sugar and circulating insulin levels. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026

The 45-minute dish is a riff on pasta Alfredo, bathed in a bright sauce that doesn’t require cream or flour, just butter, parmesan and the starchy pasta cooking water. — Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026

Non-starchy vegetables pack gut-balancing fiber and powerful antioxidants. — Sunny Sea Gold, HEALTH, 7 Sep. 2026

Refined grain foods—like white rice, pasta, and bread—are made from grains that are stripped of their nutrient-rich edible layers, leaving only the starchy endosperm. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 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