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
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 lightweight moisturizer with SPF 50 protection leaves a gorgeous glow and no white cast on my combination, oily skin.
—
Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025
The researchers also noted a significant reduction in sebum— an oily substance that contributes to acne—of more than 40 percent by day seven.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Still, the richest, most enduring pleasures here are formal ones, beginning with the exacting still-life compositions and oily, vehement primary hues of Jenkins’ 16mm lensing, which can make a painterly subject of a maritime squall or a mustard-yellow wading boot.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Health inspectors found oily filters in the ventilation system, reducing airflow and increasing a risk of a fire.
—Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oily
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Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025
The researchers also noted a significant reduction in sebum— an oily substance that contributes to acne—of more than 40 percent by day seven.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Still, the richest, most enduring pleasures here are formal ones, beginning with the exacting still-life compositions and oily, vehement primary hues of Jenkins’ 16mm lensing, which can make a painterly subject of a maritime squall or a mustard-yellow wading boot.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Health inspectors found oily filters in the ventilation system, reducing airflow and increasing a risk of a fire.
—Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oily
Cite this Entry
“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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