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

• 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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spicy

• dicey
• icy
• lycee
• pricey
• 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