oily

1 of 2

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

oiliness

2 of 2

noun

oil·​i·​ness ˈȯilēnə̇s 

-lin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being oily

Synonyms of oily

Adjective

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

Examples of oily in a Sentence

Adjective

The liquid has an oily feel.

a pile of oily rags

The salad dressing was very oily.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The salsa macha is an oily, toasty condiment pasty with peanuts and sesame seeds. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Eucerin’s Clear Skin Sunscreen is formulated with oily, acne-prone skin in mind. — Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 27 June 2026

The same collection also includes Clinique’s Moisturizing Gel for oily skin types, and this version adds SPF 35 to double as a daily face sunscreen that’s safe for sensitive skin. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

The sunscreen is a great match for dry, oily, and combination skin, as well as complexions predisposed to breakouts and rosacea. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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