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

Lehkonen is a crease-crasher, a garbage collector and a pest, a greasy goal waiting to happen. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026

The water- and sweat-resistant formula holds up during long days outside, while the lightweight finish stays comfortable without pilling or turning greasy. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026

The rich, buttery texture is not greasy or waxy, amazing for soothing sunburnt skin or after cold weather exposure. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

While some body creams get a bad rap for slow dry times, due to thick consistency, reviewers gush about how lightweight and fast-absorbing this one is — withoutveering into greasy territory. —Claire West, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 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