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 adverb
spicily fragrant
spiciness noun
the spiciness of black pepper

Examples of spicy in a Sentence

a spicy suggestion that earned him a slap in the face
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Produced by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Belle Meade Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that offers a rich and spicy profile. Emily Price, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Get the party started with these sweet and spicy chicken wings. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2025 On Thursday, July 10, the beloved Snack Wrap — available in spicy and ranch varieties — returns. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 27 June 2025 The peppers keep the wine cooler in the toasty summer heat and infuse a hint of spicy flavor, which echoes the green bell pepper notes found in some Sauvignon Blancs. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spicy

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spicy was in 1543

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spicy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spicy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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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