waxier; waxiest
1
: made of, abounding in, or covered with wax : waxen
a waxy surface
waxy berries
2
: resembling wax: such as
a
: readily shaped or molded
b
: marked by smooth or lustrous whiteness
a waxy complexion
waxiness noun

Examples of waxy in a Sentence

The polish left a waxy residue. a plant with waxy leaves
Recent Examples on the Web The crud that forms there is a byproduct of cylindrical dandruff—a waxy, scaly substance that builds up at the follicle base around individual lashes—and collarettes, a.k.a., uh, mite poop. Ali Finney, SELF, 15 Mar. 2024 Boneless rib-eye steak and chunks of waxy potatoes come together in this simple, savory Japanese stew. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2024 Frostbite can occur within minutes, causing affected areas to appear white or grayish-yellow and feel firm or waxy. Tamia Fowlkes, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in all the cells in your body. Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2024 Such labs use butane, a highly combustible gas commonly used in lighters and camp stoves, to extract a potent, waxy cannabis concentrate known as hash oil or honey oil from marijuana plants. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2024 The long-lasting, waxy blooms often remain on bare branches until other flowers begin to pop out, truly heralding the arrival of spring. Katelyn Chef, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2024 Evergreen jojoba has attractive, waxy gray-green foliage and demands a full sun exposure and fast-draining soil. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2024 This can contribute to a waxy buildup of plaque that makes your arteries narrow and stiff, also known as atherosclerosis. Amy Norton, SELF, 12 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'waxy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of waxy was in 1552

Dictionary Entries Near waxy

Cite this Entry

“Waxy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waxy. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

waxy

adjective
waxier; waxiest
1
: full of or covered with wax
a waxy surface
waxy berries
2
: resembling wax : waxen
a waxy complexion
waxiness noun

Medical Definition

waxy

adjective
waxier; waxiest
1
: made of, abounding in, or covered with wax
a waxy surface
2
: resembling wax
a waxy complexion
waxy secretions

More from Merriam-Webster on waxy

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