oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

oilier; oiliest

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2

a

: covered or impregnated with oil

oily rags

b

: relatively high in naturally secreted oils

oily skin

oily hair

3

disapproving

a

: excessively smooth or suave in manner

b

: characterized by excessive smoothness or suaveness

"My dear friend," said the Chief Scribe in an oily voice …

—Lloyd Alexander

oilily

ˈȯi-lə-lē 

adverb

oiliness

ˈȯi-lē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of oily

• soapy
• sickening
• oleaginous
• unctuous
• gushy
• hagiographic
• abundant

Examples of oily in a Sentence

The liquid has an oily feel.

a pile of oily rags

The salad dressing was very oily.

Recent Examples on the Web

Dryer skin can benefit from ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and glycerin, while activated charcoal and pumice are better suited for oily or acne-prone skin. —Olivia Rose Rushing, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026

The bones and cartilage are enclosed in a membrane that’s filled with an oily liquid called synovial fluid. —Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026

Some describe cod liver oil as having a fishy, oily, and slightly bitter flavor. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026

Instead, opt for pore-minimizing setting powder on just your T-zone or oily areas at the end of your routine. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oily

• coyly
• doily

Kids Definition

oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

oilier; oiliest

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2

a

: covered or soaked with oil

b

: high in oils that are naturally produced

oily skin

oiliness noun

Medical Definition

oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

oilier; oiliest

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2

: excessively high in naturally secreted oils

oily hair

oily skin