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

Many players show up for these RPGs looking for hilarious, dramatic, and spicy romantic relationships. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026

The Texas chili is also a thick burger-stand version superior as a topping for chili dogs — ask for the spicy mustard — or chili burgers, french fries or tater tots. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

Things get spicy when Lowen grows closer to the novelist's husband (Josh Hartnett) and discovers dark bits about Verity's past. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

This warm and spicy perfume is the perfect transitional scent for the season, with a fruity punch that still feels fresh enough for late summer. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Sep. 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