Definition

Having a lot of starch, which is a type of carbohydrate found in foods like potatoes and rice; can also mean stiff or formal in style.

Example

The starchy potatoes were perfect for making mashed potatoes.

Conversation

Have you tried the new restaurant down the street?

Not yet, but I heard they serve really starchy dishes.

Yeah, I love a good plate of pasta that's nice and starchy.

Same here! It really fills you up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Starchy → It is formed from "starch" (from Old English *styrce*, meaning a carbohydrate substance) and "-y" (a suffix used to form adjectives). The word "starchy" describes something that contains or is rich in starch.

Memory Tip

Think of 'starch' as a carbohydrate substance, and remember that 'starchy' means something that is rich in starch.

Visually Confused Words