greasy

adjective

ˈgrē-sē  -zē 

greasier; greasiest

1

a

: smeared or soiled with grease

greasy clothes

b

: oily in appearance, texture, or manner

… his greasy smile …

—Jack London

c

: slippery

2

: containing an unusual amount of grease

greasy food

greasily

ˈgrē-sə-lē 

-zə-

adverb

greasiness

ˈgrē-sē-nəs 

-zē-

noun

Synonyms of greasy

• slicked
• slippery
• slick
• greased

Examples of greasy in a Sentence

My doctor told me to avoid greasy food.

that wet tarmac road is greasy enough to send the car into a skid

Recent Examples on the Web

Once fried, the tortilla should still be light, crispy and airy as well as not too greasy but also snappy and flaky — so they’re cooked not too little and not too much, but just right. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Dec. 2025

My go-to is the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, a hydrating moisturizer and mask with hyaluronic acid that triples as a daily moisturizer, overnight face mask, and a rich, non-greasy hand cream. —Annita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2025

Anything fattier and the hash will be too greasy. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025

These formulas are lightweight, silky, and ridiculously good at melting off makeup, sunscreen, and grime—without leaving skin tight or greasy. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing greasy

• greasy spoon

Rhymes for greasy

• creasy
• fleecy

Kids Definition

greasy

adjective

ˈgrē-sē  -zē 

greasier; greasiest

1

: smeared with grease

2

: containing grease

greasy food

3

: resembling grease or oil : smooth, slippery

greasily

-sə-lē 

-zə-

adverb

greasiness

-sē-nəs 

-zē-

noun