Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 starchiness /(stärch"ē̇*nĕs)/ · starch·i·ness · IPA 01 n. The quality or state of being starchy; stiffness in manners; formality. 1. The quality or state of being starchy; stiffness in manners; formality. Syn. starchedness, starchness.