greasy

1 of 2

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

greasiness

2 of 2

noun

greas·​i·​ness |ēnə̇s 

|in-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being greasy

Synonyms of greasy

Adjective

• slicked
• slippery
• slick
• greased

Examples of greasy in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The formula also contains tsubaki seed oil to infuse the scalp and hair with enough hydration to reduce itchiness without making hair feel greasy or heavy. — Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026

The result is an unusually fluid lotion that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026

Just steer clear of anything too heavy or loaded with too many oils, which can weigh down the hair and give the roots a greasy look. — Elise Tabin, InStyle, 6 Sep. 2026

Using mayonnaise in the filling—and to grease the pan—instead of traditional schmaltz or olive oil helps ensure the kugel bakes off moist, rich, and crisp—never dry or greasy. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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