First Known Use: 1581
Dictionary
1dowdy
noun \ˈdau̇-dē\
plural dowd·ies
Definition of DOWDY
archaic : a dowdy woman
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Origin of DOWDY
diminutive of dowd dowdy, from Middle English doude
2dowdy
adjective
: having a dull or uninteresting appearance : not attractive or stylish
dowd·i·erdowd·i·est
Full Definition of DOWDY
1
: not neat or becoming in appearance : shabby <a dowdy old hat>
2
a : lacking smartness or taste <a dowdy room> b : old-fashioned <a dowdy institution>
— dowd·i·ly \ˈdau̇-də-lē\ adverb
— dowd·i·ness \ˈdau̇-dē-nəs\ noun
— dowdy·ish \-ish\ adjective
See dowdy defined for English-language learners
See dowdy defined for kids
First Known Use of DOWDY
1676
Related to DOWDY
3dowdy
noun
DOWDY Defined for Kids
dowdy
adjective \ˈdau̇-dē\
dowd·i·erdowd·i·est
Definition of DOWDY for Kids
1
: not neatly or well dressed or cared for <She plays a dowdy old woman in the movie.>
2
: not stylish <a dowdy dress>
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