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

Sean Gardner / Getty Images Blaney is the current driver best known for his spicy radio rants, following in the steps of such colorful greats like Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart. — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Catering to the woody, spicy scent-loving crowd, the punchy citrus base layered in with spice notes creates an aroma that’s light but also layered according to Lee. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026

Ground ginger adds a spicy note to cookies such as gingersnaps, preserves, quick breads like gingerbread, and beverages such as ginger ale. — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Kimchi brine gives her micheladas a spicy, electric lift, and earthy kale and savory seaweed lend her risotto depth. — The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spicy

• dicey
• icy
• pricey
• devisee
• 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