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
Spills leave behind dark, oily stains that are challenging to remove, especially if your furniture is covered with a delicate fabric that can't be steam cleaned or washed with soap and water.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Certain fatty, cold-water fish produce an oily substance in their tissues.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 8 Dec. 2025
Irish Spring soap can also help to break down stains, especially oily or combination ones, such as those caused by makeup and sweat.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025
Omega-3-rich foods Eggs, oily fish and other sources of omega-3s are staples in Feldhaus' diet.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oily
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Certain fatty, cold-water fish produce an oily substance in their tissues.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 8 Dec. 2025
Irish Spring soap can also help to break down stains, especially oily or combination ones, such as those caused by makeup and sweat.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025
Omega-3-rich foods Eggs, oily fish and other sources of omega-3s are staples in Feldhaus' diet.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oily
Cite this Entry
“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
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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