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

: excessively smooth or suave in manner

oilily

ˈȯi-lə-lē 

adverb

oiliness

ˈȯi-lē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• soapy
• sickening
• oleaginous
• unctuous
• hagiographical
• 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

As a 35-year-old who is going through a lot of hormonal changes postpartum, my skin craves the extra hydration, but breaks out if formulas are too oily. —Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 9 July 2025

Sop up any oily residue with a paper towel, then sprinkle with baby powder. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 July 2025

The Gold Pig is unassuming, with a plain white-tiled façade and rows of tables with metal grills and extractor fans to suction up the oily air. —Thessaly La Force, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2025

Keeping kettles and coffee makers clean ensures a consistently tasty cup every time and helps prevent the formation of oily sludge and mineral deposits. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 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