spicy

1 of 2

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

spiciness

2 of 2

noun

spic·​i·​ness -sēnə̇s 

-sin-

plural -es

: the quality of being spicy : pungency

Synonyms of spicy

Adjective

• suggestive
• blue
• salty

Examples of spicy in a Sentence

Adjective

a spicy suggestion that earned him a slap in the face

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Brush with a bit of pepper jelly for a sweet and spicy finish. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026

Tasting notes describe rich oak, dark fruits, fig, and a spicy, lengthy finish. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Evan rounded up the spiciest dishes in Charlotte — and two of them come with an actual waiver. — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026

Tubular pasta shapes hold the light, creamy, slightly spicy sauce well, and the shrimp are always perfectly juicy. — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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