starchy

adjective

ˈstär-chē 

starchier; starchiest

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch

starchy foods

2

: formal, stiff

a starchy lawyer

starchily

ˈstär-chə-lē 

adverb

starchiness

ˈstär-chē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• ceremonious
• correct
• decorous
• formal
• nice
• proper
• punctilious
• stiff
• stiff-necked
• stilted

Examples of starchy in a Sentence

a starchy and demanding teacher

Recent Examples on the Web

Maltose – Sugar in starchy grains and some produce Necessary glucose can come from foods containing complex carbohydrates, says Kidambi — foods like dark, leafy greens and certain grains, like quinoa and brown rice. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 18 Sep. 2024

Amylase helps humans digest complex carbohydrates, starting from the moment a starchy food enters the mouth. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024

The Summary New research offers insight into the evolutionary history of amylase genes, which are key to our ability to eat and digest starchy food. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024

These duplications opened the door for the wide genetic variations that still exist today and help us digest starchy foods. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

starchy

adjective

ˈstär-chē 

starchier; starchiest

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch

starchy foods

2

: consisting of or marked by formality or stiffness

starchiness noun

Medical Definition

starchy

adjective

ˈstär-chē 

starchier; starchiest

: containing, consisting of, or resembling starch

starchy foods