powdery

adjective

pow·​dery ˈpau̇-də-rē 

1

a

: resembling or consisting of powder

powdery snow

b

: easily reduced to powder : crumbling

2

: covered with or as if with powder

Synonyms

• dusty
• fine
• floury

Examples of powdery in a Sentence

the beach's powdery white sand

We skied down the powdery slopes.

Recent Examples on the Web

These tiny, winged insects have a delicate, powdery white appearance. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Dec. 2021

You're Exposed to Tear Gas Tear gas is a thick, powdery fog that sticks to moisture, like saliva, sweat, tears, and mucous membranes and causes an intense burning sensation. —Louryn Strampe, Wired, 2 June 2020

Beaches in the coastal states are in the process of welcoming guests (slowly and distantly) back to their powdery, soft-sanded shores. —Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2020

Grand Haven State Park, Michigan Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, this 48-acre park with powdery white sand offers activities like fat-tire biking, barbecuing, sunbathing, swimming, and volleyball. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2020

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing powdery

• powdery mildew

Kids Definition

powdery

adjective

pow·​dery ˈpau̇d-ə-rē 

1

a

: resembling or consisting of powder

b

: easily made into a powder : crumbly

2

: covered with or as if with powder : dusty