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
Lloyd AlexanderSynonyms of oily
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
Redness and itchiness are common underneath, and it’s most often seen on oilier scalps, especially around the crown, hairline, or behind the ears.
—Allure, 18 Dec. 2025
The matte finish complements more oily skin types by creating a blurred, even finish.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Many people benefit from eating oily fish more frequently, often three to four times per week, Routhenstein noted.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 14 Dec. 2025
The booziness of this particular liquor also (supposedly) gives it the ability to cut through grease and remove stubborn and oily messes.
—Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oily
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Allure, 18 Dec. 2025
The matte finish complements more oily skin types by creating a blurred, even finish.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Many people benefit from eating oily fish more frequently, often three to four times per week, Routhenstein noted.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 14 Dec. 2025
The booziness of this particular liquor also (supposedly) gives it the ability to cut through grease and remove stubborn and oily messes.
—Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oily
Cite this Entry
“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
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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