spicy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈspī-sē 

spicier; spiciest

1

: having the flavor, fragrance, or quality of spice

a spicy perfume

especially : containing strong spices : piquant, zesty

spicy foods

2

: producing or abounding in spices

… the spicy isles of the Indies …

—Thomas G. Gentry born 1843

A tale of heroic misadventure followed, spiriting me from 16th-century Cornwall to the spicy shores of North Africa.

—Sophie Gee

3

: lively, spirited

a spicy temper

4

: engagingly provocative : racy

spicy language

especially : somewhat scandalous or salacious

spicy gossip

spicily

ˈspī-sə-lē 

adverb

spicily fragrant

spiciness

ˈspī-sē-nəs 

noun

the spiciness of black pepper

spiciness

2 of 2

noun

spic·​i·​ness -sēnə̇s 

-sin-

plural -es

: the quality of being spicy : pungency

Synonyms of spicy

Adjective

• suggestive
• blue
• salty

Examples of spicy in a Sentence

Adjective

a spicy suggestion that earned him a slap in the face

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The market for hot sauce is heating up—and spicy Southern staple Crystal is capitalizing on the opportunity. — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

The menu also features an abundance of seafood tacos such as shrimp, marlin, garlic octopus and spicy octopus. — Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026

In a medium bowl stir together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, spicy brown mustard, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026

Use pepper Jack in place of some Cheddar for more heat, or mild Cheddar for a less spicy version. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spicy

• dicey
• icy
• pricey
• devisee
• theodicy

Kids Definition

spicy

adjective

ˈspī-sē 

spicier; spiciest

1

: flavored with or containing spice

2

: somewhat shocking or indecent

a spicy story

spicily

-sə-lē 

adverb

spiciness

-sē-nəs 

noun