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

Depending on certain factors, like your skin type (oily skin won't hold the pigment as well), age, and skin care routine, microfeathering will usually last eight to 12 months, max. — Deanna Pai, Glamour, "Microblading, Microshading, and Microfeathering: What's the Difference?," 23 Dec. 2018 Since grout can absorb soap as much as a stain, the TCNA says not to use Murphy's Oil soap, Pine Sol, or any product that will leave a waxy or oily film. — Danielle Tullo, House Beautiful, "Doing This To "Clean" Your Grout Is Actually Causing Damage," 6 Nov. 2018 Perhaps worst of all, the whole thing has an air of oily condescension. — Jack Holmes, Esquire, "Why Are So Many White Male Republicans Afraid of Weed?," 9 Jan. 2018 People with dry skin have fewer NMFs, while people with oily skin have more. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "We Asked Derms How to Keep Dry Lips Moisturized During Winter and Here’s What They Told Us," 11 Dec. 2018 Johns applies oil to objects, rubs them on paper and then adds pigment to fix the oily impressions. — Lance Esplund, WSJ, "‘The Condition of Being Here: Drawings by Jasper Johns’ Review: Willfully Obtuse," 12 Nov. 2018 Though, those with very dry or very oily skin might benefit from coconut the most. — Sable Yong, Teen Vogue, "Coconut Oil for Acne? Learn How It Can Help Clear Your Skin," 10 Sep. 2018 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

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.