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
Synonyms
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
Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that speeds up cellular renewal, refines the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and, for those with more oily or congested skin, prevents breakouts and blemishes.
—
Felicity Carter, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Use lightweight gels for oily skin and thicker creams for dry skin.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Known for their aromatic scent, these trees have incredibly flammable, oily leaves.
—Hannah Singleton, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2025
People who have particularly oily or dry skin or who use a lot of hair styling products may notice that these stains develop more quickly.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for oily 
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Felicity Carter, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Use lightweight gels for oily skin and thicker creams for dry skin.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Known for their aromatic scent, these trees have incredibly flammable, oily leaves.
—Hannah Singleton, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2025
People who have particularly oily or dry skin or who use a lot of hair styling products may notice that these stains develop more quickly.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for oily
Dictionary Entries Near oily
Cite this Entry
“Oily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily. Accessed 27 Jan. 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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