spicier; spiciest
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 adverb
spicily fragrant
spiciness noun
the spiciness of black pepper

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.
The whisky is robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing baked apple, candied orange zest, fried or caramelized banana, herbal nots of tobacco and anise/licorice, nuts, dark chocolate, seasoned oak, hints of caramel, and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 Another hit from the party came from Jar’s Suzanne Tract, who brought spicy shrimp dumplings and kimchi dumplings from Pao Jao Dumpling House started by Eunice Lee and Seong Cho in the food court of the Koreatown Plaza on Western Ave. Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025 On May 22, Mars in Leo will meet with Venus in Aries in a spicy trine, where sparks fly and our heart’s desires take the lead. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 May 2025 Try a rich and creamy chocolate-avocado pudding, enjoy a refreshing snack of watermelon with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh mint, or whip up some sweet and spicy candied sweet potatoes for something savory with a kick. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spicy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spicy. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

spicy

adjective
spicier; spiciest
1
: flavored with or containing spice
2
: somewhat shocking or indecent
a spicy story
spicily adverb
spiciness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on spicy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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