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
: excessively smooth or suave in manner
oilily adverb
oiliness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chain-drive ebikes can be a little too high maintenance for some, and reward you with oily clothes for your trouble. Paul Ridden july 22, New Atlas, 22 July 2025 Dermatologists named it one of the best ingredients for treating acne and oily skin. Cathy Cassata, Health, 22 July 2025 Shop the best shampoos for oily scalp When the greasiness won’t quit, these shampoos are it. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 17 July 2025 My thick, dry hair feels clean but still hydrated, super soft, and—most importantly for my oily skin—free of buildup and excess oil. Audrey Noble, Glamour, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for oily

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oily was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

oily

adjective
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
oilier; oiliest
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of oil
2
: excessively high in naturally secreted oils
oily hair
oily skin

More from Merriam-Webster on oily

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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