starchy

1 of 2

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

starchiness

2 of 2

noun

starch·​i·​ness -chēnə̇s 

-chin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being starchy

the fresh starchiness of her dress

—Shirley A. Grau

especially : a prim, prudish, or overly dignified formality

deckhands … resent the growing starchiness of the river cities

—Murray Schumach

Synonyms of starchy

Adjective

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

Examples of starchy in a Sentence

Adjective

a starchy and demanding teacher

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Pair fiber-rich carbohydrates, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats with chicken breast for a balanced meal. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026

Avoid adding oil to water; instead, stir occasionally and reserve 1 cup of starchy water for sauce. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026

The sugars in corn kernels break down very fast, turning your corn unpleasantly starchy. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

But not all vegetables behave the same way in the body, and starchy ones need to be approached differently than leafy or non-starchy options. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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