oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

oilier; oiliest

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2

a

: covered or impregnated with oil

oily rags

b

: relatively high in naturally secreted oils

oily skin

oily hair

3

disapproving

a

: excessively smooth or suave in manner

b

: characterized by excessive smoothness or suaveness

"My dear friend," said the Chief Scribe in an oily voice …

—Lloyd Alexander

oilily

ˈȯi-lə-lē 

adverb

oiliness

ˈȯi-lē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of oily

• soapy
• sickening
• oleaginous
• unctuous
• gushy
• hagiographic
• abundant

Examples of oily in a Sentence

The liquid has an oily feel.

a pile of oily rags

The salad dressing was very oily.

Recent Examples on the Web

The intention of peptide users is to have the muscle-building effects of anabolic steroids without the side effects of infertility, oily skin, acne, liver inflammation, and so on. — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 24 Oct. 2026

Investigators have also removed drums containing an oily, sludge-like material from the property and have investigated the home for signs of wet cremation, when a mix of chemicals are used to break down human remains. — Joe Holden, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

However, the finish is slightly shiny, and the product may be too greasy for oily skin overall. — Jenny Berg, Glamour, 21 Oct. 2026

This is part of the natural aging process, and the visible signs of aging include looser texture, dry skin, and in some people oily skin that still feels dehydrated. — Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oily

• coyly
• doily

Kids Definition

oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

oilier; oiliest

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2

a

: covered or soaked with oil

b

: high in oils that are naturally produced

oily skin

oiliness noun

Medical Definition

oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

oilier; oiliest

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2

: excessively high in naturally secreted oils

oily hair

oily skin