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

Adults have a waxy cottony-looking coating, while immature bugs are smaller but similar. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025

As broadleaf evergreens, rhododendrons have developed a waxy coat on their leaves to help prevent water loss. —Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025

Isotretinoin lowers sebum production in the skin; sebum is a waxy, oily substance that’s meant to protect the skin from moisture loss. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025

Whalers also brought spermaceti, a waxy substance that comes from a sperm whale’s head and is used to produce candles and lubricants for precision machinery like watches and clocks. —Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for waxy

• maxi
• taxi
• epitaxy

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