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 of spicy

• 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

With a pour of salsa roja, tart and hot (but not overly so), or a more judicious application of the punishingly spicy salsa verde, the bean and cheese transforms into a kinetic flavor field of curves and spikes. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 3 May 2026

Caffeine, alcohol and certain acidic or spicy foods can act as bladder irritants for some people. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026

Recently rebranded and launched for the US market, the brand’s spicy, ultra-flavorful peanuts have quickly become a favorite snack amongst the whole BA commerce team. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026

Take these sweet-potato-and-chorizo-sausage balls as the rest of the South's answer to Louisiana's savory boudin balls–each delicious bite is loaded with meat with a little kick from spicy chorizo. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

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