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

Mineral Sunscreen Mineral formulas often leave behind a visible white or gray residue in addition to their oily base. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

There was something flylike about people with healthy, oily skin. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Greasy or oily rags can ignite in the dryer due to heat buildup and flammable residue. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2026

Birdie cried and slept and cried, then woke to an oily splotch on the pillowcase. — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 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