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 adverb
oiliness noun

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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for oily

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oily was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Kids 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

More from Merriam-Webster on oily

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