oily

adjective

\ˈȯi-lē

oilier; oiliest

Definition of oily

1 : of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2a : covered or impregnated with oil oily rags

b : relatively high in naturally secreted oils oily skin oily hair

3 : excessively smooth or suave in manner

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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

For those with combination skin that can be frustratingly oily and dry at the same time, Origins latest formula quenches with cannabis sativa seed oil from hemp and a calming, cooling texture. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "10 Face Masks for Happier Skin Right Now," 28 Sep. 2018 This unique, professional powder compound adheres to hair without being sticky or oily and without dulling roots or making them look dry. — Melanie Yates, Woman's Day, "The #1 Way To Touch Up Your Own Roots," 26 Mar. 2015 The product—which includes a peel, neutralizer, and mask—is described as a fit for those with normal, oily, and acne-prone skin. — Blake Bakkila, Health.com, "The Acne Treatment The Bachelor's Ashley Iaconetti Swears By for Stubborn Chin Breakouts," 27 June 2018 Try Eve Lom Cleanser ($50), which contains eucalyptus oil to remove dirt and other impurities, for normal to dry skin, or the Bioré Baking Soda Acne Cleansing Foam ($6) for people with oily skin. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "I Had a Dermatologist Critique My Skin-Care Routine—and Here's What I'm Changing," 20 June 2018 Skin spatula devices show a milky, oily liquid coming out of pores. — Macaela Mackenzie, Allure, "The "Skin Spatula" Device Is Going Viral as a Blackhead Treatment," 6 July 2018 Unlike some, this recipe is neither too dry nor too oily. — Daniel Neman, sacbee, "Spread joy: Cook with peanut butter | The Sacramento Bee," 3 Apr. 2018 Fish, whether whole or cut, should be firm and shiny, but never soft, mushy, sticky or oily, signs of age. — Nicole Sours Larson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "White fish & vegetables," 9 July 2018 My combination skin, usually dehydrated yet still oily around my forehead, looked more even textured and hydrated. — Sarah Ban, SELF, "I Tried Hypnosis for Insomnia. Then My Skin Cleared Up.," 1 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oily.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.