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

Gently scrub the area in small circles to help lift any oily or pigmented residue. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

This is not an oily, greasy ramen, but rather light and flavorful. — Kim Kay, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2026

Another new player is added to the mix in Damien Cantor (Harry Lloyd), an oily media mogul who’s introduced to Taverner by Judd over a lunch that quietly turns into an ambush. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

Who actually needs digestive enzymes Signs of a genuine enzyme deficiency include diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating, unexplained weight loss and fatty or oily stool that floats. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 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