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 chicken wings could be the best of the bunch, with crisp skin lacquered in a sweet and spicy brown sugar glaze. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 Ginger liqueur is a sweet and spicy spirit made from fresh or dried ginger root, often combined with other ingredients like vanilla, citrus, or honey to balance its strong, zesty flavor. Rachel King, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Keep this zesty, herbaceous, and spicy Creole seasoning on hand for all of your favorite Creole dishes. Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024 Stick With Simple Orders Though different people with UC may have different food sensitivities and restrictions, some common triggers include high-fiber foods, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy ingredients. Sarah Garone, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near spicy

Cite this Entry

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

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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