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

• adulatory
• fulsome
• gushing
• gushy
• hagiographic
• hagiographical
• oleaginous
• soapy
• unctuous

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

These oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids and are good sources of protein, vitamins, selenium, and calcium. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Wild rose, vitamin C, rosehip oil Best For: Suited for dry, oily, normal, and combination skin types, the cream most effectively targets uneven texture. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024

Even people with oily skin may need to up the moisturizers in the winter, and drier types can probably lighten up in the summer. —Melanie Rud, SELF, 11 Oct. 2024

Paper that's been used to cook greasy or oily foods should generally only be used once. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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