adjective
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of, relating to, or containing starch
starchy foods
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extremely formal, stiff, or conventional
a starchy manner
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stiffened with starch
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Adjectives
Etymology
Origin of starchy
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
While some lament the decline of suits and ties, others are relieved to ditch the starchy collars and pantyhose.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
Because they are dense and starchy, eating large amounts can slow the rate at which the stomach empties, a condition known as gastroparesis, or in rare situations, cause a complete blockage.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 1, 2026
Andrew says the "worst offenders" include cereal, scrambled eggs, or starchy food with protein-heavy residues.
From BBC ● Feb. 18, 2026
Tossed with pasta, egg, cheese, and a little of the starchy cooking water, they became a mushroom carbonara—rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying.
From Salon ● Dec. 28, 2025
Trudging through the shadows, Officer Delinko pictured himself in a tailored suit instead of a starchy uniform.
From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen
Firms also want to be able to tailor crops more precisely: producing starchier potatoes for crisp-makers, or protein-rich peas that do not taste like peas for use as a meat substitute.
From BBC ● Mar. 23, 2023
The medium-grain rice, with its delicate floral flavor, is starchier and fluffier than standard long-grain white rice, qualities that help it to cook into individual grains.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 23, 2022
The one packaged as farro was softer, sweeter and much starchier; the grains splayed more quickly than the spelt, which remained chewy even after the grains splayed.
From New York Times ● Aug. 29, 2014
Along with Momofuku, these new eateries established a contemporary fusion based on flavor and sass—one that was decidedly greasier and starchier than its white-linen ancestor.
From Slate ● Apr. 12, 2012
The less water, the starchier the water — and the starchier the water, the better your still-dripping pasta will taste once it meets up with your sauce.
From Time ● Jun. 29, 2010
If enough top talent is willing to trade the prestige of Goldman for the flexibility of Citigroup, even the starchiest banks may have to relax a bit.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 11, 2021
He appears to be greeted as a hero, or at least a celebrity, passing "crowded porches" and children "washed and dressed in their best and starchiest clothes, hairs bursting with ribbons."
From US News ● Nov. 6, 2014
He appears to be greeted as a hero, or at least a celebrity, passing “crowded porches” and children “washed and dressed in their best and starchiest clothes, hairs bursting with ribbons.”
From Washington Times ● Nov. 6, 2014
Some conceal this impulse better than others, but not even the starchiest Brooks character can long resist the lure of a cane, a top hat and an up-tempo riff.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2014
The cleanest and starchiest of curtains, the most dazzling and whitest of tidies and chair-covers, bespoke the adjacent laundry; indeed, the whole cottage seemed to exhale the odors of lavender soap and freshly ironed linen.
From A Protegee of Jack Hamlin's and Other Stories by Bret Harte
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