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
: excessively smooth or suave in manner
Synonyms
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
These glands produce an oily substance (called meibum) that coats the eyes and prevents tears from evaporating too quickly.16
MGD develops when thick secretions block the glands, preventing a normal flow of meibum.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 11 July 2024
Its creamy formulation is especially hydrating, cooling, and smoothing upon application, and offers a semi-matte finish that wears well on combination and oily skin.
—Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 5 July 2024
This sunscreen has a rich consistency that may be too heavy for acne-prone or oily skin.
—Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 5 June 2024
Those with oily skin will want to set with powder to avoid excess shine.
—Kristin Limoges, WWD, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for oily 
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 11 July 2024
Its creamy formulation is especially hydrating, cooling, and smoothing upon application, and offers a semi-matte finish that wears well on combination and oily skin.
—Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 5 July 2024
This sunscreen has a rich consistency that may be too heavy for acne-prone or oily skin.
—Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 5 June 2024
Those with oily skin will want to set with powder to avoid excess shine.
—Kristin Limoges, WWD, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for oily
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oily.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near oily
Cite this Entry
“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oily
adjective
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
oilier; oiliest
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of oil
2
: excessively high in naturally secreted oils
oily hair
oily skin
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