oily

1 of 2

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

oiliness

2 of 2

noun

oil·​i·​ness ˈȯilēnə̇s 

-lin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being oily

Synonyms of oily

Adjective

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

Examples of oily in a Sentence

Adjective

The liquid has an oily feel.

a pile of oily rags

The salad dressing was very oily.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Dry or sensitive skin generally does better with a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliant, while oily or thicker skin can usually handle stronger treatments. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Patinkin cautions that long-wearing lipsticks and stains may dry too quickly to blend, while oily balms may not stay put on skin. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

Patinkin cautions that long-wearing lipsticks and stains may dry too quickly to blend as blush, while oily balms may have less staying power on skin. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

Sebum and Parkinson’s Clues to disease also reside in sebum, an oily, sticky substance produced by tiny glands in hair follicles. — Marta Zaraaska, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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