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
Lloyd AlexanderSynonyms of oily
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
How To Get Rid Of Grease Stains For really oily, greasy stains, start by coating them with a layer of cornstarch or baking soda to soak up some of the grease.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Some milky toners even pull double duty as a moisturizer replacement, which is perfect for those who live in humid climates or anyone with naturally oilier skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for oily
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Some milky toners even pull double duty as a moisturizer replacement, which is perfect for those who live in humid climates or anyone with naturally oilier skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for oily
Cite this Entry
“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oily
adjective
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
oilier; oiliest
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of oil
2
: excessively high in naturally secreted oils
oily hair
oily skin
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