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

This is part of the natural aging process, and the visible signs of aging include looser texture, dry skin, and in some people oily skin that still feels dehydrated. — Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Grease and oily stains dissolve more quickly in warmer water. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026

Investigators are awaiting test results of some 50 containers of an oily, sludge-like substance removed from the basement. — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Gently scrub the area in small circles to help lift any oily or pigmented residue. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 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