glossy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈglä-sē 

ˈglȯ-

glossier; glossiest

1

: having a surface luster or brightness

rich glossy leather

glossy paper

2

: attractive in an artificially opulent, sophisticated, or smoothly captivating manner : slick

lots of glossy and phony chatter

glossily

ˈglä-sə-lē 

ˈglȯ-

adverb

glossiness

ˈglä-sē-nəs 

ˈglȯ-

noun

glossy

2 of 2

noun

plural glossies

1

: a photograph printed on smooth shiny paper

2

chiefly British : slick sense 5

Synonyms

Adjective

• buffed
• burnished
• glistening
• lustrous
• polished
• rubbed
• satin
• satiny
• sleek

Choose the Right Synonym for glossy

sleek, slick, glossy mean having a smooth bright surface or appearance.

sleek suggests a smoothness or brightness resulting from attentive grooming or physical conditioning.

a sleek racehorse

slick suggests extreme smoothness that results in a slippery surface.

slipped and fell on the slick floor

glossy suggests a highly reflective surface.

photographs having a glossy finish

Examples of glossy in a Sentence

Adjective

a plant with glossy green leaves

the glossy finish on the gym floor

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Related Articles For the special occasion, Winfrey made a statement in a white, glossy suit that shimmered under the lights. —Julia Teti, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024

If the dish is glazed (completely smooth and glossy), it can be put in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle. —Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024

Noun

That said, the critical response, from the glossies to the gay zines, the art magazines to the NPR affiliates, was formidable and mostly positive, if not effusive. —Ira Silverberg, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024

And that doesn't change the fact that executives still want to see themselves on the cover of a glossy or their company written about in a major business publication. —Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

gloss entry 1 + -y entry 1

Noun

derivative of glossy entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

glossy

adjective

ˈgläs-ē,

ˈglȯs-

glossier; glossiest

: having a surface luster or brightness

glossiness noun