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

Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Silverfish are harmless but destructive pests that feed on starchy items like paper, glue, and fabric. — Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 3 Aug. 2026

Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026

Forget cookies or ice cream—put me within arm’s reach of a bag of salty, fried, starchy goodness and all my willpower disappears. — Kinsey Gidick, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 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