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

Bright and fruity with plenty of herbs and juniper essence and an almost spicy zip on the palate. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Then there are the darker, spicier vanillas, with hints of tobacco or amber, offering a more sultry, sophisticated vibe. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

North Carolina has its own hot and spicy chicken, made famous at a restaurant in Salisbury. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024

The holiday menu includes spicy yellowtail sushi tacos, traditional roasted turkey, baked glazed ham, prime rib and pumpkin pie. —Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 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