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

The spicy smashburger pick features pepper jack cheese, pineapple relish, shredded lettuce, pickled jalapenos, and pineapple habanero aioli. —Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Nov. 2025

The spicy tuna had a gentle kick, the macadamia nuts added a pleasant crunch, and the maguro and unagi on top tied everything together with a subtle richness. —Evan Moore november 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2025

Pumpkin Pie Trader Joe’s is offering their own version of a mouthwatering pumpkin pie, comforting pumpkin custard filled with sweet and spicy flavors. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Nov. 2025

This version includes a Louisiana favorite, spicy andouille sausage, along with okra, red bell pepper, thyme, and a nice amount of heavy cream for richness. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 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