powder

1 of 3

verb

pow·​der ˈpau̇-dər How to pronounce powder (audio)
powdered; powdering ˈpau̇-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce powder (audio)
Synonyms of powdernext

transitive verb

1
: to sprinkle or cover with or as if with powder
2
: to reduce or convert to powder
3
: to hit very hard

intransitive verb

1
: to become powder
2
: to apply cosmetic powder
powderer
ˈpau̇-dər-ər How to pronounce powder (audio)
noun

powder

2 of 3

noun (1)

often attributive
1
: matter in a finely divided state : particulate matter
2
a
: a preparation in the form of fine particles especially for medicinal or cosmetic use
b
: fine dry light snow
3
: any of various solid explosives used chiefly in gunnery and blasting
powderless
ˈpau̇-dər-ləs How to pronounce powder (audio)
adjective
powderlike
ˈpau̇-dər-ˌlīk How to pronounce powder (audio)
adjective
see also:
take a powder

powderer

3 of 3

noun (2)

pow·​der·​er -dərə(r) How to pronounce powderer (audio)
plural -s
: one that powders
specifically : a worker who rubs powder onto a hat before it is lured

Synonyms of powder

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of powder in a Sentence

Verb She powdered her face and put on lipstick. you have to powder the antibiotic tablet and mix it with food Noun (1) The powder is made from the roots of the plant. Mix together the different powders. She crushed the peppercorns into a fine powder. We're running low on baby powder and diapers. We woke this morning to several inches of fresh powder on the ground.
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.
Verb
My eyes scanned the faces around me, all of them powdered in ash. — Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026 Here, her lips were potent, and her blush was equally so, powdered all over the rounds of her cheeks. — Essence, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
Shredding powder isn’t just for winter in Zermatt. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026 The powder can be mixed with buttermilk and mayonnaise to create the dressing. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for powder

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English poudre, from Anglo-French pudre, podre, from Latin pulver-, pulvis dust; probably akin to Sanskrit palāva chaff

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of powder was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing powder

Rhymes for powder

See All Rhymes for powder

Browse Nearby Words

Poway
powder
Powder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

powder

1 of 2 noun
pow·​der ˈpau̇d-ər How to pronounce powder (audio)
1
a
: dry material made up of fine particles
b
: something (as a food, medicine, or cosmetic) made in or changed to the form of a powder
2
: a solid explosive used in shooting or blasting

powder

2 of 2 verb
1
: to sprinkle or cover with or as if with powder
2
: to crush to or become powder
powderer
-ər-ər
noun

Medical Definition

powder

noun
pow·​der ˈpau̇d-ər How to pronounce powder (audio)
: a product in the form of discrete usually fine particles
specifically : a medicine or medicated preparation in the form of a powder
antiseptic powder
digestive powder

Geographical Definition

Powder

geographical name

Pow·​der ˈpau̇-dər How to pronounce Powder (audio)
1
river 150 miles (241 kilometers) long in eastern Oregon flowing into the Snake River
2
river 375 miles (604 kilometers) long in northern Wyoming and southeastern Montana flowing north into the Yellowstone River

More from Merriam-Webster on powder

Nglish: Translation of powder for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about powder

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