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

According to Smith, people with normal and oily skin can often use standard formulas, whereas those with dry or mature skin should opt for hydrating ones to prevent irritation and creasing. —Caroline Shannon Karasik, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

Residents in Tehran complained last week of burning eyes and difficulty breathing when the dark and oily precipitation fell near the Iranian capital after several fuel oil depots and a refinery were struck. —Tammy Webber, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026

Instead, opt for pore-minimizing setting powder on just your T-zone or oily areas at the end of your routine. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

If there are oily marks, smudges or water spots on your sensor, this method is particularly useful. —Jacob Little, Space.com, 12 Mar. 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