spicy

adjective

ˈspī-sē 

spicier; spiciest

1

: having the flavor, fragrance, or quality of spice

a spicy perfume

especially : containing strong spices : piquant, zesty

spicy foods

2

: producing or abounding in spices

… the spicy isles of the Indies …

—Thomas G. Gentry born 1843

A tale of heroic misadventure followed, spiriting me from 16th-century Cornwall to the spicy shores of North Africa.

—Sophie Gee

3

: lively, spirited

a spicy temper

4

: engagingly provocative : racy

spicy language

especially : somewhat scandalous or salacious

spicy gossip

spicily

ˈspī-sə-lē 

adverb

spicily fragrant

spiciness

ˈspī-sē-nəs 

noun

the spiciness of black pepper

Synonyms of spicy

• suggestive
• blue
• salty

Examples of spicy in a Sentence

a spicy suggestion that earned him a slap in the face

Recent Examples on the Web

Overall, this combination of soft, complex malt with good hop character that’s strong but not too assertively bitter is dry, spicy, fruity and highly bubbly and carbonated. —Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026

This yellowy-green syrup gets mixed with the snow to make a tangy, spicy snow cone. —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026

Dulces Clara’s colorful inventory of Mexican candy features a variety of unique creations, like the popular Hormigas, a hard caramel candy with a watermelon flavor and a dusting of spicy chili powder, and gummies that mix the sweetness of mango with the tartness of tamarind. —Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026

Deer and rabbits typically don’t like the spicy-scented foliage. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spicy

• dicey
• icy
• lycee
• pricey
• theodicy

Kids Definition

spicy

adjective

ˈspī-sē 

spicier; spiciest

1

: flavored with or containing spice

2

: somewhat shocking or indecent

a spicy story

spicily

-sə-lē 

adverb

spiciness

-sē-nəs 

noun