spicy

adjective

ˈspī-sē 

spicier; spiciest

1

: having the quality, flavor, or fragrance of spice

2

: producing or abounding in spices

3

: lively, spirited

4

: piquant, racy

especially : somewhat scandalous or salacious

spicy gossip

spicily

ˈspī-sə-lē 

adverb

spiciness

ˈspī-sē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• bawdy
• blue
• gamy
• gamey
• lewd
• off
• off-color
• off-colored
• racy
• ribald
• risqué
• salty
• suggestive

Examples of spicy in a Sentence

a spicy suggestion that earned him a slap in the face

Recent Examples on the Web

Seasonal specials include a Bacon Gouda Burger of Brandt Farms beef, topped with spicy chipotle aioli, and a Blueberry Milkshake with fresh blueberries and topped with blueberry muffin crumbs. —Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 20 May 2024

Extremely spicy products created and marketed solely for the challenges — and possible internet fame — is a more recent phenomenon exacerbated by social media. —Steve Leblanc, Fortune, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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