VocabDictionary

mealy

/ˈmiːli/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Having the texture or appearance of meal; specifically, soft, dry, and crumbly in texture, often used to describe overripe fruit or vegetables.

Example Sentences:
  • The apple was old and mealy, lacking the crisp snap I was hoping for.
  • Boil the potatoes until they are tender and mealy, perfect for mashing.
2.adjective

Pale or spotty in appearance, as if dusted with flour.

Example Sentences:
  • The insect had a mealy coating on its wings that rubbed off at the slightest touch.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “mealy”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'mely', originating from the Old English 'melu' (meal/flour). It originally described something resembling meal or flour in texture, later evolving to describe the dry, powdery, or crumbly consistency of certain fruits or vegetables.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'meal'—if a fruit is 'mealy', it feels like dry, powdery flour or meal in your mouth instead of being juicy.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “mealy

1. What is the meaning of “mealy” in English?

In English, mealy (adjective) is defined as: “Having the texture or appearance of meal; specifically, soft, dry, and crumbly in texture, often used to describe overripe fruit or vegetables.”.

2. How do you use “mealy” in a sentence?

The apple was old and mealy, lacking the crisp snap I was hoping for.

3. What are English synonyms of “mealy”?

Common synonyms include:crumbly,powdery,farinaceous,dry

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “mealy”?

Derived from the Middle English 'mely', originating from the Old English 'melu' (meal/flour). It originally described something resembling meal or flour in texture, later evolving to describe the dry, powdery, or crumbly consistency of certain fruits or vegetables.