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
Better at Breaking Down Grease and Oil Dropping oily or greasy food onto our clothes can be a panic-inducing experience.
—
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
There was also an important decrease in sebum, the oily stuff that protects your skin but also triggers acne.
—Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025
Clementines may be a surprising addition, but sweet citrus and oily fish are a common duo in Persian, Mediterranean and Mexican dishes.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025
Great for quick spot treatments on oily deodorant stains.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oily
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Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
There was also an important decrease in sebum, the oily stuff that protects your skin but also triggers acne.
—Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025
Clementines may be a surprising addition, but sweet citrus and oily fish are a common duo in Persian, Mediterranean and Mexican dishes.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025
Great for quick spot treatments on oily deodorant stains.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 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 26 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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