oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

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

oilily

ˈȯi-lə-lē 

adverb

oiliness

ˈȯi-lē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• adulatory
• fulsome
• gushing
• gushy
• hagiographic
• hagiographical
• oleaginous
• soapy
• unctuous

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

If that’s not enough to grab your attention, the serum is also dermatologist-tested and suitable for all skin types, including dry, sensitive, combination, and oily skin. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025

Designed to remove peach fuzz and help the skin absorb oils, serums, and moisturizers, the wee tool—clocking in at just under six inches—can also help balance an oily complexion. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025

Eating oily fish every week may also reduce the risk of:26 Heart disease High blood pressure (hypertension) Metabolic syndrome 9. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025

Back to that misconception about oily skin and moisturizer not meshing together. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oily

• coyly
• doily

Kids Definition

oily

adjective

ˈȯi-lē 

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

ˈȯi-lē 

oilier; oiliest

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of oil

2

: excessively high in naturally secreted oils

oily hair

oily skin