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 adverb
spicily fragrant
spiciness noun
the spiciness of black pepper

Examples of spicy in a Sentence

a spicy suggestion that earned him a slap in the face
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
New Mexico emerged as the spiciest state, with 31.9 ounces per customer purchased on Instacart. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 From creamy dips to spicy wings to pigs in a blanket, all of these festive recipes are sure to crowdpleasers. Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025 The organic, spicy concoction comes in two flavors, Sweet Jalapeño and a more fiery Hot Habanero. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025 Past rumbles have seen winners with more customary offerings awarded the coveted Broth Belt, but Red Panda’s body-laden spicy chicken katsu ramen seduced guests with its silkiness, including new fans who had never even heard of them before showing up at the competition. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for spicy 

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spicy was in 1543

Dictionary Entries Near spicy

Cite this Entry

“Spicy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spicy. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

spicy

adjective
spicier; spiciest
1
: flavored with or containing spice
2
: somewhat shocking or indecent
a spicy story
spicily adverb
spiciness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on spicy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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