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

Pubbelly Sushi regulars quickly learned about life beyond the spicy tuna roll, though make no mistake, the big eye tuna roll is technically a spicy tuna roll with crispy rice and truffle oil, and there are plenty of classic rolls. —Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025

No bottles of sweet hoisin and spicy sriracha anchor the table. —Bao Ong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

To keep things spicy this year, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to rally your fellow fans to make sure your favorites win! —Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025

What could pair better with a dinner party than a crowd-pleasing red wine that’s a little sultry, thanks to a blend of earthy, spicy, and dark berry flavors. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 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