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

: excessively smooth or suave in manner

oilily

ˈȯi-lə-lē 

adverb

oiliness

ˈȯi-lē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• soapy
• sickening
• oleaginous
• unctuous
• hagiographical
• 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

People with oily skin types can use lactic acid more frequently, while people with dry or sensitive skin types may need to use it less frequently. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Oct. 2025

Floodwaters there also left a black, oily residue believed to have come from nearby oil and gas installations, coating trees and rooftops. —CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025

Well, who likes the feeling of oily skin? —Mary Honkus, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2025

The edible butternuts are sweet and oily, oval-shaped and enclosed in a shell. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025

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