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

Jojoba oil is an oily wax made from the seed of the jojoba plant, a desert shrub. —Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 12 Dec. 2024

When rain falls through them, the metals react, leaving polluted puddles with an oily sheen to seep into nearby creeks. —John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024

The palate presents a sweet, oily viscosity, featuring caramel, butterscotch, and a hint of wood spice. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Dab away the oily residue using a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 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