oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

oilier; oiliest

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2

a

: covered or impregnated with oil

oily rags

b

: relatively high in naturally secreted oils

oily skin

oily hair

3

disapproving

a

: excessively smooth or suave in manner

b

: characterized by excessive smoothness or suaveness

"My dear friend," said the Chief Scribe in an oily voice …

—Lloyd Alexander

oilily

ˈȯi-lə-lē 

adverb

oiliness

ˈȯi-lē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of oily

• soapy
• sickening
• oleaginous
• unctuous
• gushy
• hagiographic
• abundant

Examples of oily in a Sentence

The liquid has an oily feel.

a pile of oily rags

The salad dressing was very oily.

Recent Examples on the Web

Because of its speed and efficiency, glycolic acid is best suited to oily, normal, or combination skin, while lactic and mandelic acids are best for gentle exfoliation, treating hyperpigmentation, and improving texture and radiance. —Georgia Day, Vogue, 13 Nov. 2025

The milky-gel texture (which is not oily in the slightest) glides easily over the skin and sinks in quickly without leaving a heavy or shiny finish. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 13 Nov. 2025

Paper that's been used to cook greasy or oily foods should generally only be used once. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025

Herring Herring are small, oily fish that are similar to sardines. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oily

• coyly
• doily

Kids Definition

oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

oilier; oiliest

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2

a

: covered or soaked with oil

b

: high in oils that are naturally produced

oily skin

oiliness noun

Medical Definition

oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

oilier; oiliest

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2

: excessively high in naturally secreted oils

oily hair

oily skin