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

• 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

And because Rhode is all about keeping skin health front of mind, the product ensures lasting hydration that never enters greasy territory. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025

Formulated for normal to dry skin, this gentle daily facial cleanser transforms from a silky oil to a soft, lathering foam that deeply cleanses your skin, effectively removing dirt, excess oil and stubborn makeup without clogging pores, leaving residue or a greasy feeling. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

For greasy buildup, use a drop of grease-cutting dish detergent on the cloth and lightly scrub, then wipe the soap away with a damp cloth. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025

The Eos Fragrance Free Body Lotion offers 24 hours of protection and doesn’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025

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