spicy

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

Synonyms of spicy

• suggestive
• blue
• salty

Examples of spicy in a Sentence

a spicy suggestion that earned him a slap in the face

Recent Examples on the Web

Clams and scallops are great with pilsners or Belgian witbiers, though spicier versions can stand up to an IPA as well. — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 24 July 2026

The Effin Hot is a spicy version with steak, onions, hot cherry peppers, hot pepper jack cheese and Sriracha spread. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Inspired by falafel but deconstructed, these hearty pitas are filled with roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas, then topped with a spicy jalapeño yogurt sauce. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

Choose rye for a spicier cocktail or bourbon for a sweeter one. — Al Culliton, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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