spicy

adjective

ˈspī-sē How to pronounce spicy (audio)
spicier; spiciest
Synonyms of spicynext
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 How to pronounce spicy (audio)
adverb
spicily fragrant
spiciness
ˈspī-sē-nəs How to pronounce spicy (audio)
noun
the spiciness of black pepper

Synonyms of spicy

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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.
A little more chili on an already-spicy swangy snack could help restore the slowing effect that makes spice useful in the first place. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 The magic is the schug (a vibrant blend of spicy Italian long peppers, garlic and herbs) and tomato seeds that add an acidic kick. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Catalina Bar and Kitchen’s spicy rigatoni is a must-try, Cephas and Tran said. — Laura Horne july 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 How Mexican flavors shaped the swangy trend The sweet and spicy combination at the core of swangy has deep roots in Mexican cuisine. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 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

Rhymes for spicy

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Browse Nearby Words

spiculum
spicy
spicy fleabane
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spicy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spicy. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spicy

adjective
ˈspī-sē How to pronounce spicy (audio)
spicier; spiciest
1
: flavored with or containing spice
2
: somewhat shocking or indecent
a spicy story
spicily
-sə-lē How to pronounce spicy (audio)
adverb
spiciness
-sē-nəs How to pronounce spicy (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on spicy

Nglish: Translation of spicy for Spanish Speakers

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