spicy

adjective

ˈspī-sē How to pronounce spicy (audio)
spicier; spiciest
Synonyms of spicynext
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
ˈspī-sə-lē How to pronounce spicy (audio)
adverb
spicily fragrant
spiciness
ˈspī-sē-nəs How to pronounce spicy (audio)
noun
the spiciness of black pepper

Synonyms of spicy

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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.
Such a scent—defined by its brightness, as well as its signature woody and spicy character—is comprised of fresh ginger and cedar notes with the smokiness of vetiver and the roundness of tonka beans. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 Or reimagine a deskside classic with our Nuoc Cham Chicken Salad, which pairs shredded rotisserie chicken with the spicy-tangy flavors of the Vietnamese dipping sauce. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026 Adult party Jenga games These follow the same formats but with spicier twists on the game. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026 The scent also has spicy notes of chili pepper, berries and saffron, grounded by a woody patchouli base. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for spicy

See All Rhymes for spicy

Browse Nearby Words

spiculum
spicy
spicy fleabane
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spicy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spicy. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spicy

adjective
ˈspī-sē How to pronounce spicy (audio)
spicier; spiciest
1
: flavored with or containing spice
2
: somewhat shocking or indecent
a spicy story
spicily
-sə-lē How to pronounce spicy (audio)
adverb
spiciness
-sē-nəs How to pronounce spicy (audio)
noun

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