plural powders
1
: a dry substance made up of very tiny pieces of something
garlic/chili/cocoa powder
The powder is made from the roots of the plant.
Mix together the different powders.
She crushed the peppercorns into a fine powder.
2
: a very fine, dry substance that is put on your body or face especially to make it dry or less shiny
The girls put on their lipstick and (face) powder before heading out to the dance.
We're running low on baby powder and diapers.
3
: snow that is very light and dry
We woke this morning to several inches of fresh powder on the ground.
—often used before another nounpowder skiing/snow
4
powders; powdered; powdering
: to put powder on (your face or body)
She powdered her face and put on lipstick.
Cite this Entry
“Powder.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/powder. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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