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

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

The new research found that children in nearly every region of the world are not eating enough fruits, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and starchy vegetables. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Toss until the tomato juices and starchy pasta water emulsify to create a glossy sauce that evenly coats the noodles, adding more pasta water as needed. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 July 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