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

The spicy, sour, tangy dressing with tons of fresh herbs was the perfect contrast to such a rich, fatty cut. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026

For those wanting something a little lighter, there’s the Crispy Dragon Teriyaki Lobster, featuring Maine Lobster Tail tossed in a sweet and spicy teriyaki sauce. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026

On a trip to India during Diwali last autumn, Starbucks International CEO Brady Brewer tried a saffron tiramisu, as well as a spicy sandwich with chicken tikka at one of the American coffee-shop giant’s local stores. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026

The Opposites Attract is a hot-and-dirty martini that starts with Belvedere vodka and finishes with spicy Castelvetrano olive brine, served in a glass dipped in black truffle salt. —Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 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