Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

oily

[oi-lee] / ˈɔɪ li /




Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Another is the existence of relatively new statutes that support growing schools of the Atlantic menhaden, an oily fish with a variety of industrial uses like commercial bait and omega-3 supplements.

From Barron's Aug. 18, 2026

Robert Pattinson’s oily suitor woos Penelope like a “Bachelorette” contestant: “It’s time to live again,” he urges her, certain that Penelope’s vengeful husband won’t come back.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 15, 2026

Videos posted to social media have shown apocalyptic scenes of a burning liquid oozing down the street, and the persistent smoke has prompted complaints of a “black rain” that leaves an oily residue.

From The Wall Street Journal May 2, 2026

The finished dish is buttery and oily in all the right ways.

From Salon May 1, 2026

Finally, clinging to the black, oily surface of the observation platform at the back of the crusher, he dragged himself clear and managed to stand up.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz

Using shampoo every day, Alam said, can be the right choice for people with oilier scalps where sebum can accumulate, making the hair limp, greasy and possibly smelly.

From Seattle Times Jun. 11, 2023

The rice in the thieboudienne here was broken, and oilier than in the versions I’d eaten in New York and Paris, probably because of palm oil, which is harder to procure in the West.

From New York Times Nov. 11, 2021

Salmon, which is flakier, is also a good starter fish, because thicker fillets are common and it is oilier, meaning it brings its own “nonstickability,” Zuccarello said.

From Washington Post Aug. 17, 2021

In Asia-Pacific, this rise in deep-cleansing products was attributed to mask-related issues, including issues like oilier skin and acne, as well as an increase in hygiene habits due to Covid-19.

From BBC Jul. 24, 2020

“I would say she has more than a tangle in her yarn,” she said, her voice one shade oilier than normal.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

Deravian remembers her mother standing at the stove, snacking on the stubborn scraps still left in the pot: “The crackliest, oiliest, tastiest bits.”

From New York Times Nov. 11, 2021

Oil is the dirtiest industry in the world and Chevron, one the world's largest companies, must be the oiliest.

From The Guardian Feb. 18, 2011

Bodanzky is, at the same time, the gayest and j oiliest of companions, who gives huge laughter to comic tales and sits like a great paladin to watch a game of cards.

From Time Magazine Archive

“Why, the remittitur, of course,” Hughes replied, in his oiliest tones.

From The Squatter and the Don by C. Loyal

He edged close and dropped his voice to the oiliest whisper: "You'll say dat good word now to Miss Cleo right away, sah?"

From The Sins of the Father A Romance of the South by Thomas Dixon




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training