spicy

adjective

ˈspī-sē 

spicier; spiciest

1

: having the flavor, fragrance, or quality of spice

a spicy perfume

especially : containing strong spices : piquant, zesty

spicy foods

2

: producing or abounding in spices

… the spicy isles of the Indies …

—Thomas G. Gentry born 1843

A tale of heroic misadventure followed, spiriting me from 16th-century Cornwall to the spicy shores of North Africa.

—Sophie Gee

3

: lively, spirited

a spicy temper

4

: engagingly provocative : racy

spicy language

especially : somewhat scandalous or salacious

spicy gossip

spicily

ˈspī-sə-lē 

adverb

spicily fragrant

spiciness

ˈspī-sē-nəs 

noun

the spiciness of black pepper

Synonyms

• bawdy
• blue
• gamy
• gamey
• lewd
• off
• off-color
• off-colored
• racy
• ribald
• risqué
• salty
• suggestive

Examples of spicy in a Sentence

a spicy suggestion that earned him a slap in the face

Recent Examples on the Web

The chicken wings could be the best of the bunch, with crisp skin lacquered in a sweet and spicy brown sugar glaze. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024

Ginger liqueur is a sweet and spicy spirit made from fresh or dried ginger root, often combined with other ingredients like vanilla, citrus, or honey to balance its strong, zesty flavor. —Rachel King, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Keep this zesty, herbaceous, and spicy Creole seasoning on hand for all of your favorite Creole dishes. —Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024

Stick With Simple Orders Though different people with UC may have different food sensitivities and restrictions, some common triggers include high-fiber foods, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy ingredients. —Sarah Garone, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spicy

adjective

ˈspī-sē 

spicier; spiciest

1

: flavored with or containing spice

2

: somewhat shocking or indecent

a spicy story

spicily

-sə-lē 

adverb

spiciness

-sē-nəs 

noun