grainy

[grey-nee]

adjective

grainier, grainiest 

1. resembling grain; granular.

2. full of grains grain or grain.

3. having a natural or simulated grain, as wood, wallpaper, etc.

4. Photography.,  (of a negative or positive) having a granular appearance.

grainy

/ ˈɡreɪnɪ /

adjective

1. resembling, full of, or composed of grain; granular

2. resembling the grain of wood, leather, etc

3. photog having poor definition because of large grain size

Other Word Forms

• graininess noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grainy¹

First recorded in 1605–15; grain + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Straight from my grandmother’s recipe card: melted butter, grainy Dijon, a dollop of mayo, a splash of Worcestershire, garlic and onion powders, a little brown sugar, and a shower of poppy seeds.

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A grainy circle flashes on the top-right corner of the screen at the Eagle Theater.

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It took nearly a day before officials released grainy photos of the suspect.

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The arrest came after the FBI released grainy pictures of a "person of interest" wanted for the shooting.

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In the grainy footage, Mr Phillips could be seen leading his children through the rugged terrain, all wearing camouflaged clothing, raincoats and large backpacks.

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Related Words

• gritty 
• homespun