starchy

American  

[stahr-chee] / ˈstɑr tʃi /

adjective

starchier, starchiest

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of starch.

2. containing starch.

3. stiffened with starch.

4. stiff and formal, as in manner.

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starchy British  

/ ˈstɑːtʃɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or containing starch

   starchy foods

2. extremely formal, stiff, or conventional

   a starchy manner

3. stiffened with starch

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Other Word Forms

• starchily adverb
• starchiness noun

Etymology

Origin of starchy

First recorded in 1795–1805; starch + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Mr. Dowling is a discerning and sympathetic, if occasionally starchy, guide through Shepard’s oeuvre.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another starchy favorite is the mashed sweet potatoes with toasted marshmallows.

From Salon

It’s hard to say what percentage of households will be participating in the starchy giveaway on Friday, but we seem to be reaching what could be dubbed the peak of potato.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cavities form when bacteria erode tooth enamel, often due to sugary or starchy foods, inadequate brushing, or genetic factors.

From Science Daily

Sondergard demonstrated a sense of grandeur, sometimes shattering, other times starchy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• stuffy