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
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
My Final Thoughts This foundation is a game-changer for anyone with oily or combination skin who wants full coverage that actually lasts through heat and/or long days.
—
Lily Wohlner, Allure, 19 Sep. 2025
Bad salad kits have sloppy cuts of vegetables, meager toppings and oily or single-note dressings that are either too salty or just plain bland.
—Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Eating healthy, oily fish, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, is encouraged, while eggs, dairy and poultry are eaten in much smaller portions than in the traditional Western diet.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
This is not an oily, greasy ramen, but rather, light and flavorful.
—Kim Kay, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oily
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Lily Wohlner, Allure, 19 Sep. 2025
Bad salad kits have sloppy cuts of vegetables, meager toppings and oily or single-note dressings that are either too salty or just plain bland.
—Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Eating healthy, oily fish, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, is encouraged, while eggs, dairy and poultry are eaten in much smaller portions than in the traditional Western diet.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
This is not an oily, greasy ramen, but rather, light and flavorful.
—Kim Kay, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oily
Cite this Entry
“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oily
adjective
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
oilier; oiliest
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of oil
2
: excessively high in naturally secreted oils
oily hair
oily skin
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