mealy

adjective

ˈmē-lē How to pronounce mealy (audio)
mealier; mealiest
Synonyms of mealy
1
: containing meal : farinaceous
2
: soft, dry, and friable
3
a
: covered with meal or with fine granules
b
: flecked with another color
c
: spotty, uneven
d
: pallid, blanched
a mealy complexion
4
: mealymouthed

Synonyms of mealy

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Examples of mealy in a Sentence

the mealy flesh of a pear her mealy complexion might be OK if she were a mime, but she isn't
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But this was a mealy-mouthed memo. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 Steer clear of the refrigerator, which can cause a mushy or mealy texture and a loss of flavor. — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2026 Cherry tomatoes are the only variety that tends to stand up to time in the fridge without turning mushy or mealy too quickly. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 May 2026 Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture is mealy and small pieces of pea-size butter remain. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mealy

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of mealy was in 1541

Rhymes for mealy

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Browse Nearby Words

mealworm
mealy
mealy Amazon
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Cite this Entry

“Mealy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mealy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mealy

adjective
ˈmē-lē How to pronounce mealy (audio)
mealier; mealiest
1
: containing meal
2
: being soft, dry, and crumbly
3
: covered with fine grains or with flecks (as of color)
4
: mealymouthed
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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