greasy

adjective

ˈgrē-sē How to pronounce greasy (audio) -zē How to pronounce greasy (audio)
greasier; greasiest
Synonyms of greasynext
1
a
: smeared or soiled with grease
greasy clothes
b
: oily in appearance, texture, or manner
… his greasy smile …—Jack London
c
: slippery
2
: containing an unusual amount of grease
greasy food
greasily
ˈgrē-sə-lē How to pronounce greasy (audio)
-zə-
adverb
greasiness
ˈgrē-sē-nəs How to pronounce greasy (audio)
-zē-
noun

Synonyms of greasy

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Examples of greasy in a Sentence

My doctor told me to avoid greasy food. that wet tarmac road is greasy enough to send the car into a skid
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.
This non-greasy, lightweight formula improves scalp health to promote healthy, thicker, and faster hair growth. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026 This is a player who has been a modestly above-average finisher throughout his career, and has a serious nose for cashing in greasy goals at the net front. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Since then, raw egg yolks, pickle brine, cumin seeds, six-packs of Coke, and greasy breakfast sandwiches have all been credited with easing our post-drinking ailments. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 The towel is no longer absorbent or has a greasy-type feeling after it has been washed. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for greasy

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of greasy was circa 1518

Phrases Containing greasy

Rhymes for greasy

See All Rhymes for greasy

Browse Nearby Words

greasiness
greasy
greasy cutworm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greasy. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

greasy

adjective
ˈgrē-sē How to pronounce greasy (audio) -zē How to pronounce greasy (audio)
greasier; greasiest
1
: smeared with grease
2
: containing grease
greasy food
3
: resembling grease or oil : smooth, slippery
greasily
-sə-lē How to pronounce greasy (audio)
-zə-
adverb
greasiness
-sē-nəs How to pronounce greasy (audio)
-zē-
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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