What does veiny mean?
Veiny is an adjective meaning marked with veins or with conspicuous vein-like lines. It is most commonly used for things in which a network of channels or markings is visible, including human skin, leaves, cheese, and marble. The word is particularly evocative when describing older or prominently veined hands, but it can also carry a mildly negative or clinical tone in medical and cosmetic contexts. “Veiny” is closely related to “veined,” though it often places greater emphasis on the visual effect of a vein-like network rather than simply the presence of veins. It is understood in both British and American English and can serve a literal descriptive function or a metaphorical one, suggesting that something is visibly threaded through with lines. The word belongs to the familiar English family derived from “vein,” which ultimately comes from Latin vena.
adjectiveHaving veins or prominent vein-like markings; marked with a network of veins.
- Marked by veins or by conspicuous vein-like lines.
"The old man's hands were veiny and deeply lined."
"Her veiny hands rested quietly on the table."
"The slice of cheese looked soft, white, and surprisingly veiny."
Veiny is the adjective for surfaces that reveal a hidden network: from hands and leaves to marble and cheese.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does veiny come from?
Veiny was formed in English by adding the adjective-forming suffix -y to the noun “vein.” The word “vein” comes through Middle English and Old French from Latin vena, a term for a blood vessel and, by extension, a natural line or channel. Related English words include “venous,” “venule,” and “venipuncture,” all of which continue the same Latin root.
How veiny is actually used
The word is neutral in register but is especially evocative in descriptions of skin, leaves, stone, and food. When applied to hands or skin, it can emphasize age, prominence, or an undesirable visual texture.
Easily confused with veiny
“Veined” is the more general adjective for something marked with veins, while “veiny” often emphasizes a conspicuous network of visible or vein-like markings.
“Vein” is a noun naming a blood vessel or a similar channel in a leaf or mineral, whereas “veiny” is an adjective describing something marked by such structures.