spicier; spiciest
1
: having the quality, flavor, or fragrance of spice
2
: producing or abounding in spices
3
4
: piquant, racy
especially : somewhat scandalous or salacious
spicy gossip
spicily adverb
spiciness noun

Examples of spicy in a Sentence

a spicy suggestion that earned him a slap in the face
Recent Examples on the Web Moonrise makes a doubly crisp, refreshing first impression with bergamot and green apple, then takes a turn for the sultry with an orange blossom heart and a spicy base. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2024 The small plates range from meats – Iberian ham (jamón), cured pork loin (lomo) and spicy Basque chorizo (chistorra) wrapped in potato – to a local Idiázabal cheese with black truffle, creamy chicken croquettes (croquetas) and a traditional Spanish potato omelette (tortilla). Jack Bantock, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024 Along with apple cider vinegar, wasabi is sometimes included in spicy vinaigrettes or to enhance the flavor of creamy salad dressings. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2024 That's right, this means more flirting than ever between the people sitting alone in their empty apartments, sending spicy emojis and questionable hashtags via DM to someone who is most likely to be a catfish. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2024 Pick your fry flavor, from a simple basket to Grippo fries with sweet and spicy barbecue seasoning. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 18 Mar. 2024 Both are piled on white bread and soaked down with the restaurant's sweet and spicy red sauce. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024 This vegan hash is sweet, smoky and spicy, with cubes of sweet potato, tofu, peppers and onions. Emily Weinstein, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Top spicy dishes with a dollop of yogurt to add a cooling contrast and balanced flavors. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spicy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spicy was in 1562

Dictionary Entries Near spicy

Cite this Entry

“Spicy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spicy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spicy

adjective
spicier; spiciest
1
: flavored with or containing spice
2
: somewhat shocking or indecent
a spicy story
spicily adverb
spiciness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on spicy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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