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

Just be mindful about foods that you might not be used to, especially greasy or high-fat items. — Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

Reviewers rave that this one doesn’t leave their skin greasy and absorbs quickly. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 18 July 2026

Environmental factors such as nicotine from cigarette smoke, e-cigarette vapors, or greasy cooking residue can cause fabrics to yellow. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Major selling points include its rich but not greasy texture and skin-tightening properties. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

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