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

The formula is thick but non-greasy, and coats skin in comforting moisture that leaves you hydrated for hours. — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026

Its discussion of the underlying study applies roughly the same figure to one kilogram of greasy wool, including carbon in wool wax, suint compounds and vegetable matter. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Residents of the Penn Quarter building blame the restaurant for greasy odors and poor air quality in their homes. — Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026

How To Keep Oven Racks Clean Longer Clean up spills and spatters after cooking a messy or greasy dish. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 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