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
The formula is oil-controlling and hydrating—two musts for oily skin types—and stays put through sweat and humidity.
—
Annie Blackman, Allure, 4 Apr. 2025
Laneige Water Bank Gentle Cleanser, $29, and Skin Rocks The Gel Cleanser, $48, both offer lightweight cleansing with hydrating benefits, while Sofie Pavitt Clean Clean Gentle Gel Foaming Cleanser, $34, is a great mild cleanser for oily skin.
—Victoria Jowett, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025
This oil beautifully complements the texture and the flavor of salmon, which is already a naturally oily fish.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
Likewise, if heavy or oily skincare products cause tinea versicolor for you, switch to lighter ones.3
Cover Your Skin
Sun exposure can make tinea versicolor more noticeable.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oily
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Annie Blackman, Allure, 4 Apr. 2025
Laneige Water Bank Gentle Cleanser, $29, and Skin Rocks The Gel Cleanser, $48, both offer lightweight cleansing with hydrating benefits, while Sofie Pavitt Clean Clean Gentle Gel Foaming Cleanser, $34, is a great mild cleanser for oily skin.
—Victoria Jowett, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025
This oil beautifully complements the texture and the flavor of salmon, which is already a naturally oily fish.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
Likewise, if heavy or oily skincare products cause tinea versicolor for you, switch to lighter ones.3
Cover Your Skin
Sun exposure can make tinea versicolor more noticeable.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 23 Mar. 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 12 Apr. 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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