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
Lloyd AlexanderSynonyms of oily
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
Yes, the oily resin can cling to clothes.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
Incorporate more fish and lean poultry into your diet, and aim to eat oily fish like salmon twice a week.
—Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026
Prickly pear seed oil adds shine, moringa leaf extract helps prevent breakage, and cactus flower extract adds bounce and elasticity—making this non-aerosol, talc-free powder formula a strong pick for oily hair that also needs body and texture.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2026
One of Glow Recipe’s original bestsellers, this oil-free moisturizer uses watermelon extract and plenty of antioxidants in a lightweight gel great for daily use by those with oily skin.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oily
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Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
Incorporate more fish and lean poultry into your diet, and aim to eat oily fish like salmon twice a week.
—Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026
Prickly pear seed oil adds shine, moringa leaf extract helps prevent breakage, and cactus flower extract adds bounce and elasticity—making this non-aerosol, talc-free powder formula a strong pick for oily hair that also needs body and texture.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2026
One of Glow Recipe’s original bestsellers, this oil-free moisturizer uses watermelon extract and plenty of antioxidants in a lightweight gel great for daily use by those with oily skin.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oily
Cite this Entry
“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oily
adjective
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
oilier; oiliest
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of oil
2
: excessively high in naturally secreted oils
oily hair
oily skin
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