What does powdery mean?
Powdery is an adjective describing something that consists of powder, is covered with powder, or has a fine, dry texture that can be easily dispersed. It is especially common in phrases such as “powdery snow,” “powdery soil,” and “powdery texture,” where it conveys a sense of softness and fineness. The word can describe both the physical composition of a substance and the residue it leaves behind: powdery snow crumbles easily, while a powdery surface may transfer loose particles to the touch. In food and cosmetic contexts, “powdery” may suggest delicacy or a light, flour-like consistency, but in descriptions of skin or complexions it can imply excessive dryness. Powdery is used in standard British and American English and is more specific than the general word “dusty.”
adjectiveConsisting of or covered with powder; having a fine, soft, easily dispersed texture.
- Consisting of powder or having a texture that is fine, dry, and easily dispersed.
- Covered with or containing a fine layer of powder.
"The path became powdery after weeks of dry weather."
"Fresh, powdery snow covered the hillsides."
"The chef brushed the powdery surface of the confection before serving it."
Powdery captures the peculiar middle ground between solid and cloudlike: material that can look like a surface but behaves like a fine dust when disturbed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How powdery is actually used
The adjective is common in descriptions of snow, soil, food, cosmetics, and other substances. It can suggest either a soft, delicate texture or a surface that leaves loose powder on the skin or clothing. It is usually neutral, though the association with age or dryness can make it mildly unflattering when applied to skin or complexion.
Easily confused with powdery
Dusty generally means covered with or full of dust, whereas powdery more specifically suggests a substance whose texture consists of fine powder or is easily reduced to powder.