Word
downy
US/ˈdaʊni/
UK/dˈaʊni/
Definition
adj. covered with very soft, light hair or feathers, like a baby bird or a peach. You use it for something that feels soft and fluffy to touch.
adj. covered with fine, soft hairs or short soft feathers; having a fluffy, velvety texture. Often describes young birds, plants, or skin with light fuzz.
Examples
“The baby bird has soft downy feathers.”
“She touches the downy skin of the peach before putting it in the basket.”
“In the morning light, downy seeds from the dandelions drift across the field and settle on the grass.”
Examples
simple
“The baby bird has soft downy feathers.”
contextual
“She touches the downy skin of the peach before putting it in the basket.”
complex
“In the morning light, downy seeds from the dandelions drift across the field and settle on the grass.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “downy” in context.
Verb
01. cover with downy
“The baby owl was covered with downy grey fluff.”
verb + prep + adj
02. feel downy
“The peach felt downy and soft in my hand.”
verb + adj
03. fill with downy
“The jacket is filled with downy material for extra warmth.”
verb + prep + adj
Adjective
04. downy cheek
“She gently kissed the baby's soft downy cheek.”
adj + noun
05. downy chick
“The downy chicks stayed close to their mother for warmth.”
adj + noun
06. downy feather
“The nest was lined with warm downy feathers.”
adj + noun
07. downy hair
“The newborn had fine downy hair on his head and arms.”
adj + noun
08. downy leaf
“The gardener showed us the plant's thick downy leaves.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. layer of downy
“A light layer of downy fur keeps the kitten warm.”
noun + prep + adj
10. a peach with downy skin
“She chose a ripe peach with downy skin from the market.”
11. covered with downy feathers
“The nestlings were still covered with downy feathers.”
12. fine downy layer
“A fine downy layer protects the young leaves from cold.”
Etymology
From down + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- 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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