WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
dow•dy1 /ˈdaʊdi/USA pronunciation
adj., -di•er, -di•est.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- not stylish;
drab;
out-of-date:dowdy clothes.
dow•dy1
(dou′dē),USA pronunciation adj., -di•er, -di•est, n., pl. -dies.
adj.
n.
dow′di•ly, adv.
dow′di•ness, n.
dow′dy•ish, adj.
dow′dy•ism, n.
dow•dy2 (dou′dē),USA pronunciation n., pl. -dies.
adj.
- not stylish;
drab;
old-fashioned:Why do you always wear those dowdy old dresses? - not neat or tidy;
shabby.
n.
- a dowdy woman.
- Middle English doude unattractive woman (of uncertain origin, originally) + -y1 or -y2 1300–50
dow′di•ness, n.
dow′dy•ish, adj.
dow′dy•ism, n.
- 1. frumpy.
- 1. fashionable, stylish.
dow•dy2 (dou′dē),USA pronunciation n., pl. -dies.
- FoodSee apple pandowdy.
- short form 1935–40