waxy

adjective

ˈwak-sē 

waxier; waxiest

1

: made of, abounding in, or covered with wax : waxen

a waxy surface

waxy berries

2

: resembling wax: such as

a

: readily shaped or molded

b

: marked by smooth or lustrous whiteness

a waxy complexion

waxiness noun

Synonyms

• malleable
• moldable
• plastic
• shapable
• shapeable

Examples of waxy in a Sentence

The polish left a waxy residue.

a plant with waxy leaves

Recent Examples on the Web

The flowers have a waxy gloss and appear to be suspended in mid-air, blooming in clusters at the ends of thin 3-to-5-foot-long stems. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 10 Oct. 2024

Rich, velvety and savory palate, waxy notes, and oak tannins ending on a finish that lasts forever. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Ceramides are a group of waxy lipids (fats) that play an important role in skin structure. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2024

White phosphorus is a waxy substance that ignites instantly when exposed to oxygen. —Courtney Kube, NBC News, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

waxy

adjective

ˈwak-sē 

waxier; waxiest

1

: full of or covered with wax

a waxy surface

waxy berries

2

: resembling wax : waxen

a waxy complexion

waxiness noun

Medical Definition

waxy

adjective

ˈwak-sē 

waxier; waxiest

1

: made of, abounding in, or covered with wax

a waxy surface

2

: resembling wax

a waxy complexion

waxy secretions