papery

adjective

pa·​pery ˈpā-p(ə-)rē How to pronounce papery (audio)
: resembling paper in thinness or consistency
papery leaves
papery silk
paperiness noun

Examples of papery in a Sentence

a berry with papery skin the papery wing of a moth
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.
The wasps build their nests by breaking down plant and wood fibers to form a papery substance. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 Green hydrangea varieties have a waxy feel, while the other types are papery to the touch. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026 In many cases, these brown lines have a dry, papery texture that's left behind as the plant grows and unfurls new leaves. — Heather Bien, The Spruce, 7 June 2026 Unlike the papery hives of social wasps, mud dauber wasps build small clusters or tubular structures from mud. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for papery

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of papery was in 1602

Rhymes for papery

See All Rhymes for papery

Browse Nearby Words

paper worm
papery
papery leaf spot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Papery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papery. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

papery

adjective
pa·​pery ˈpā-p(ə-)rē How to pronounce papery (audio)
: resembling paper in thinness or firmness
papery leaves
paperiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on papery

Nglish: Translation of papery for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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