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

Ginger Tea Ginger tea is a warm, spicy beverage with anti-inflammatory effects. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2026

This was a politically spicy matchup at the 2022 World Cup, and would be even more so in 2026. —Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

The free breakfast offer is limited to a choice between a chicken biscuit or a spicy chicken biscuit. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 6 Jan. 2026

Add a spicy twist to homemade pizzas, breads, calzones, and rolls with this ready-to-bake dough that includes bits of jalapeño peppers. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 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