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
Synonyms
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
Their sunscreens always feel a little heavy on my combination, oily skin or I have to rub forever to get rid of any white cast.
—
Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2024
Any additional product should only address specific needs at this age, such as oily or acne-prone skin.
—Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024
Someone, on March 7, sprayed an oily substance on items like display cases, taxidermy specimens, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and Granny Hannah, according to Ellen Censky, museum president and chief executive officer.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024
Their emotional attachment to the analog peculiarities of the 911 model—the distinctive whir of the flat-six valvetrain, the distinctly oily aromas, the uncannily light and accurate steering— this is the stuff of obsession.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024
Dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types may require different products and ingredients.
—Alyssa Hui, Health, 29 Feb. 2024
Also, people with more oily skin may want to use a product that is more mattifying, instead of snail mucin, which is very hydrating.
—USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024
Fry to try: The thin, crispy shoestring-potato Fancy Fries ($7) are topped with parsley and Parmesan shavings — scented with garlic but without the oily slick of some garlic fries.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
Apply it to the driest parts of your hair and gently massage it onto the scalp, but avoid putting too much if your scalp tends to be oily.
—Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024
Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2024
Any additional product should only address specific needs at this age, such as oily or acne-prone skin.
—Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024
Someone, on March 7, sprayed an oily substance on items like display cases, taxidermy specimens, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and Granny Hannah, according to Ellen Censky, museum president and chief executive officer.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024
Their emotional attachment to the analog peculiarities of the 911 model—the distinctive whir of the flat-six valvetrain, the distinctly oily aromas, the uncannily light and accurate steering— this is the stuff of obsession.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024
Dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types may require different products and ingredients.
—Alyssa Hui, Health, 29 Feb. 2024
Also, people with more oily skin may want to use a product that is more mattifying, instead of snail mucin, which is very hydrating.
—USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024
Fry to try: The thin, crispy shoestring-potato Fancy Fries ($7) are topped with parsley and Parmesan shavings — scented with garlic but without the oily slick of some garlic fries.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
Apply it to the driest parts of your hair and gently massage it onto the scalp, but avoid putting too much if your scalp tends to be oily.
—Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oily.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near oily
Cite this Entry
“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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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