greasy

adjective

ˈgrē-sē  -zē 

greasier; greasiest

1

a

: smeared or soiled with grease

greasy clothes

b

: oily in appearance, texture, or manner

… his greasy smile …

—Jack London

c

: slippery

2

: containing an unusual amount of grease

greasy food

greasily

ˈgrē-sə-lē 

-zə-

adverb

greasiness

ˈgrē-sē-nəs 

-zē-

noun

Synonyms of greasy

• slicked
• slippery
• slick
• greased

Examples of greasy in a Sentence

My doctor told me to avoid greasy food.

that wet tarmac road is greasy enough to send the car into a skid

Recent Examples on the Web

In decades past, some greasy label dude would probably tell them to go write a real hit next. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

His favorite came from Ishkabibble’s, a South Philly staple known for its greasy steaks. — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

How to Clean Your Fridge Exterior With Vinegar If your fridge is even remotely close to your oven or stovetop, chances are that its exterior can get pretty greasy from all of your cooking. — Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026

Food fried in beef tallow lands crisper and less greasy than food fried in seed oils, with a deeper savory flavor cooks notice right away. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing greasy

• greasy spoon

Rhymes for greasy

• creasy
• fleecy

Kids Definition

greasy

adjective

ˈgrē-sē  -zē 

greasier; greasiest

1

: smeared with grease

2

: containing grease

greasy food

3

: resembling grease or oil : smooth, slippery

greasily

-sə-lē 

-zə-

adverb

greasiness

-sē-nəs 

-zē-

noun