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

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
The ginger brings out the spicy-fresh aspect of a ripe mango. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 The spicy peppers, which may be contaminated with salmonella, have been linked to a major outbreak across 27 states that includes 36 hospitalizations. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 Another dish to look out for is the seared tuna ($44), bathed in a delectable coconut and brown-butter sauce that’s paired with Jimmy Nardello peppers that look spicy but simply offer a fresh crunch. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026 Chili lime, mango chili and chamoy combinations normalized the idea that snacks can be sweet, spicy, salty and tangy all at once. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 6 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 9 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

More from Merriam-Webster on spicy

Nglish: Translation of spicy for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of anecdote

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All