pasty

word

Definition

Describes someone's skin when it looks pale and unhealthy, or refers to something with a soft, thick, dough-like texture.

Usage & Nuances

"Pasty" about skin is usually negative and suggests illness or tiredness. About food or substances, it describes a thick, sticky texture (like dough or glue). Not to be confused with "pastry" (baked food). Rarely used in formal writing.

Example Sentences

Her face looked pasty after she was sick.

basic

The glue has a pasty texture.

basic

He became pasty after staying inside all winter.

basic

This sauce is way too pasty—can we add some water?

natural

I felt so pasty after spending all week in the office with no sunlight.

natural

His skin always looks a bit pasty during the winter months.

natural