Word
chalky
US/ˈtʃɔki/
UK/tʃˈɔːki/
Definition
adj. describing something that looks, feels, or tastes like chalk. You use this for things that are pale, dry, or powdery.
adj. resembling or containing chalk in texture, appearance, or consistency. Often describes dry, powdery surfaces or substances that leave a white residue.
Examples
“The old paint has a dry, chalky feel.”
“After the long hike through the canyon, his boots were covered in a fine, chalky dust.”
“The sommelier noted the wine's distinct minerality, describing a chalky finish that complemented the sharp acidity of the citrus notes.”
Examples
simple
“The old paint has a dry, chalky feel.”
contextual
“After the long hike through the canyon, his boots were covered in a fine, chalky dust.”
complex
“The sommelier noted the wine's distinct minerality, describing a chalky finish that complemented the sharp acidity of the citrus notes.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “chalky” in context.
Verb
01. chalky soil
“Lavender thrives in chalky soil that provides excellent drainage.”
adj + noun
02. chalky taste
“The medicine had a bitter, chalky taste that children disliked.”
adj + noun
03. feel chalky
“The tablets feel chalky if you don't swallow them with enough water.”
verb + adj
04. leave chalky
“The cheap sunscreen left a chalky residue on her skin.”
verb + adj
Adjective
05. distinctly chalky
“The wine had a distinctly chalky finish that lingered on the palate.”
adv + adj
06. slightly chalky
“The texture of the protein bar was slightly chalky and difficult to swallow.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. chalky residue
“Hard water often leaves a white, chalky residue on bathroom taps.”
adj + noun
08. chalky texture
“The chef criticized the dessert for its dry and chalky texture.”
adj + noun
09. have a chalky appearance
“The dried mud gave the boots a dull, chalky appearance.”
10. leave a chalky aftertaste
“The vitamin supplement was effective but left a chalky aftertaste.”
Usage
Commonly used to describe soil, skin, or the texture of certain foods and medicines.
Real-World Examples
“I am afraid of chicken breast in most prepared meals: It's almost always dry and often downright chalky.” “This is without a doubt the dustiest beverage I sampled, with sweet, chalky little bits spiking almost every sip throughout the entire cup.” “Plant protein can taste chalky because the natural fibers, starches, and plant cell structures don’t fully dissolve in liquid, leaving behind a gritty texture.” “It then dries rapidly, leaving a chalky residue.” Etymology
From chalk + -y, first appearing in the late 14th century to describe the composition or appearance of the material. The root chalk descends from Old English cealc, which was itself borrowed from Latin calx.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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