powder

1 of 2

verb

pow·​der ˈpau̇-dər How to pronounce powder (audio)
powdered; powdering ˈpau̇-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce powder (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to sprinkle or cover with or as if with powder
2
: to reduce or convert to powder
3
: to hit very hard

intransitive verb

1
: to become powder
2
: to apply cosmetic powder
powderer noun

powder

2 of 2

noun

often attributive
1
: matter in a finely divided state : particulate matter
2
a
: a preparation in the form of fine particles especially for medicinal or cosmetic use
b
: fine dry light snow
3
: any of various solid explosives used chiefly in gunnery and blasting
powderless adjective
powderlike adjective

see also take a powder

Examples of powder in a Sentence

Verb She powdered her face and put on lipstick. you have to powder the antibiotic tablet and mix it with food Noun The powder is made from the roots of the plant. Mix together the different powders. She crushed the peppercorns into a fine powder. We're running low on baby powder and diapers. We woke this morning to several inches of fresh powder on the ground.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Hilton Rothschild took advantage of the time by powdering her nose with a brush. Kristen Tauer, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024 That time, the company says, could be used to for a wide variety of purposes, including meals, a phone call, a nature walk or…well, powdering your nose. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2024
Noun
In a medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Kermilia White, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024 Then, brush the powder off the leather into a trashcan, and use a soft cloth to wipe away any residue. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for powder 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English poudre, from Anglo-French pudre, podre, from Latin pulver-, pulvis dust; probably akin to Sanskrit palāva chaff

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of powder was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near powder

Cite this Entry

“Powder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powder. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

powder

1 of 2 noun
pow·​der ˈpau̇d-ər How to pronounce powder (audio)
1
a
: dry material made up of fine particles
b
: something (as a food, medicine, or cosmetic) made in or changed to the form of a powder
2
: a solid explosive used in shooting or blasting

powder

2 of 2 verb
1
: to sprinkle or cover with or as if with powder
2
: to crush to or become powder
powderer
-ər-ər
noun

Medical Definition

powder

noun
pow·​der ˈpau̇d-ər How to pronounce powder (audio)
: a product in the form of discrete usually fine particles
specifically : a medicine or medicated preparation in the form of a powder
antiseptic powder
digestive powder

Geographical Definition

Powder

geographical name

Pow·​der ˈpau̇-dər How to pronounce Powder (audio)
1
river 150 miles (241 kilometers) long in eastern Oregon flowing into the Snake River
2
river 375 miles (604 kilometers) long in northern Wyoming and southeastern Montana flowing north into the Yellowstone River

More from Merriam-Webster on powder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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