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.
These oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids and are good sources of protein, vitamins, selenium, and calcium. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024 Wild rose, vitamin C, rosehip oil Best For: Suited for dry, oily, normal, and combination skin types, the cream most effectively targets uneven texture. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 Even people with oily skin may need to up the moisturizers in the winter, and drier types can probably lighten up in the summer. Melanie Rud, SELF, 11 Oct. 2024 Paper that's been used to cook greasy or oily foods should generally only be used once. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near oily

Cite this Entry

“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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