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
Additionally, take note of oily salad dressings that taste more bitter than usual.
—
Arabella Hau, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Fungal dandruff can appear similar to oily dandruff.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 1 Feb. 2025
Individuals with oily or combination skin don’t need to shy away from hydration either.
—Tira Urquhart, Essence, 29 Jan. 2025
As with other types of acne, stress, diet, not getting enough sleep or using oily makeup, skincare or haircare products may worsen existing acne, according to the AAD.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for oily 
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Arabella Hau, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Fungal dandruff can appear similar to oily dandruff.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 1 Feb. 2025
Individuals with oily or combination skin don’t need to shy away from hydration either.
—Tira Urquhart, Essence, 29 Jan. 2025
As with other types of acne, stress, diet, not getting enough sleep or using oily makeup, skincare or haircare products may worsen existing acne, according to the AAD.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 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 8 Feb. 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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