spicy

\ ˈspī-sē

How to pronounce spicy (audio)

\

spicier; spiciest

Definition of spicy

1 : having the quality, flavor, or fragrance of spice

2 : producing or abounding in spices

3 : lively, spirited

4 : piquant, racy especially : somewhat scandalous or salacious spicy gossip

Other Words from spicy Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about spicy

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of spicy in a Sentence

a spicy suggestion that earned him a slap in the face

Recent Examples on the Web Heat up some vegetable stock, drop in a couple heaped tablespoons of kimchi (both the liquid and the solids) and cook for a few minutes—the kimchi will mingle with the stock, creating a spicy broth. — Hetty Mckinnon, Bon Appétit, "6 Delicious Ways to Bulk Up Instant Noodles," 10 July 2020 Mine was the spicy rigatoni vodka pasta from Carbone. — Talia Gutierrez, Glamour, "The Secret to Making Instagram-Famous Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Sauce at Home," 9 July 2020 The garlic olive oil flavor was super savory and rich, the chipotle had just the right amount of umami for a spicy chicken bowl, and the ginger scallion was perfect stir-fried with veggies and an egg. — Tanya Edwards, CNN Underscored, "We tried Banza’s 3 new chickpea rice flavors, and here’s what we think," 8 July 2020 The wine’s spicy red berry flavors play nicely with notes of orange pekoe tea and dark chocolate. — Michael Alberty | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, "3 Oregon wines making a difference during tough times," 7 July 2020 The Fuel’s talent was plenty to overcome some of the spicy situations. — Sean Collins, Dallas News, "How the Dallas Fuel can avoid being ‘the greatest tournament warm-up team’," 6 July 2020 Tofu, famous for its mildness, works well with the salsa’s tart, salty, slightly spicy punch. — Joe Yonan, Washington Post, "This saucy, smothered tofu with peppers and onions will have you dreaming of the Mexican coast," 5 July 2020 Vendors set up shop with plenty of prepared foods for people looking for a little Saturday morning snack, including spicy Indian-style dal, breadfruit sourdough loaves, and vegan banana lassi made from macadamia nut yogurt. — Naomi Tomky, Fortune, "The foodie haven in Hawaii you need to know about now," 1 July 2020 Each order comes with your choice of sauce, spicy Texas barbecue or honey barbecue, on the side. — cleveland, "Fourth of July 2020 in Cleveland: Fireworks, food, music and more ways to celebrate Independence Day weekend," 30 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spicy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about spicy

Dictionary Entries near spicy

Statistics for spicy

Last Updated

13 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Spicy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spicy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for spicy

spicy

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of spicy

of food : flavored with or containing strong spices and especially ones that cause a burning feeling in your mouth

: exciting and somewhat shocking

See the full definition for spicy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

spicy

\ ˈspī-sē

\

spicier; spiciest

Kids Definition of spicy

1 : flavored with or containing spice a spicy sauce

2 : somewhat shocking or indecent a spicy story

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

indite

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.