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
Lloyd AlexanderSynonyms of oily
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
Skip the oily fabric softeners and bleaches, which can leave fabric feeling waxy or rough.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
Although the facade is cleaned regularly, no maintenance had occurred since January 1, and the hundreds of fireworks that had been projected off the face of the building had left behind an oily residue.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
Packed with vitamin D, B12 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as essential minerals including iodine, selenium, iron, calcium, and potassium, the oily fish is suddenly being feted as the secret to glowy skin.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026
Anchovies and sardines are both small, oily fish that are usually canned or jarred.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oily
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
Although the facade is cleaned regularly, no maintenance had occurred since January 1, and the hundreds of fireworks that had been projected off the face of the building had left behind an oily residue.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
Packed with vitamin D, B12 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as essential minerals including iodine, selenium, iron, calcium, and potassium, the oily fish is suddenly being feted as the secret to glowy skin.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026
Anchovies and sardines are both small, oily fish that are usually canned or jarred.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oily
Cite this Entry
“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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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