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

A bit sweet from sugar, a bit acidic from vinegar, a bit spicy from hot sauce, and rounded out with neutral oil, this homemade vinaigrette recipe is the perfect all-purpose salad dressing. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

There’s also a large, very splittable burger, fresh oysters, a spicy and bright lobster salad, and very good French fries—thin like French cigarettes, salty, and delicious. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 2 July 2026

Since Luca Guadagnino’s spicy sports drama Challengers steamed up screens everywhere, even casual fans have acknowledged that the game stirs up strong feelings. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 June 2026

His pizza is, indeed, extraordinary, particularly the spicy Star Luca with ricotta filling its points, which launched any number of copycats. — Connie Ogle june 30, Miami Herald, 30 June 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