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

Made with salicylic and glycolic acids for exfoliation, the product is particularly well-suited for those with oily skin, or anyone looking to target uneven texture. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 29 July 2026

To combat oily roots while also adding some blow-out-worthy volume, the Style Edit Texture Boost Dry Texturizing Spray is your best bet. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 28 July 2026

But replicating a Campbeltown style malt whisky still proved elusive, requiring shorter, squatter stills to produce a relatively heavy and oily distillate. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Integral products in my lineup include a non-oily sunscreen, which my mom swears by, and an anti-aging face and neck cream. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 23 July 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