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

The serums that made the cut had elegant textures that absorbed easily without feeling sticky, greasy, or heavy. — Sheryl George, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026

Formulated with antioxidant vitamin E to help defend against surface free radicals, this product locks in moisture to hydrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue and dries completely matte upon application. — Alison Abbey Hudak, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 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