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

: excessively smooth or suave in manner

oilily

ˈȯi-lə-lē 

adverb

oiliness

ˈȯi-lē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• soapy
• sickening
• oleaginous
• unctuous
• hagiographical
• 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

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

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