spicy

or spice·y

[ spahy-see ]

adjective

, spic·i·er, spic·i·est.

1. seasoned with or containing spice:

   a spicy salad dressing.

2. characteristic or suggestive of spice.
3. of the nature of or resembling spice.
4. abounding in or yielding spices.
5. aromatic or fragrant.
6. piquant or pungent:

   spicy criticism.

   Synonyms: peppery, sharp, hot

7. of a slightly improper or risqué nature; somewhat sexy:

   a spicy novel.

   Synonyms: improper, ribald, racy, suggestive

8. Informal. full of spirit; lively.

spicy

/ ˈspaɪsɪ /

adjective

1. seasoned with or containing spice
2. highly flavoured; pungent
3. informal.
   suggestive of scandal or sensation
4. producing or yielding spices

Derived Forms

• ˈspiciness, noun
• ˈspicily, adverb

Other Words From

• spici·ly adverb
• spici·ness noun
• un·spici·ly adverb
• un·spici·ness noun
• un·spicy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spicy¹

First recorded in 1555–65; spice + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Now her social-media videos garner hundreds of thousands of views as she prepares Vietnamese egg coffee, pandan-flavored desserts and spicy clam curry.

From Los Angeles Times

Savory or sweet, spicy or safe, these delicious and terribly tempting treats will give you delicious ideas … just like the show does.

From Los Angeles Times

Following the release of her fourth original comedy special for Netflix, Ali Wong tested her luck with extra spicy chicken wings on this week’s episode of “Hot Ones.”

From Salon

There is seasonal vegetables, seasonal fish, seasonal meat and two different types of aging, fish and meat, with citrus-y, bitter, salty, umami, spicy and sour flavors.

From Salon

The meal was incredibly spicy and I was amazed at how it affected my body.

From Salon

Related Words

• appetizing
• aromatic
• distinctive
• fiery
• fragrant
• fresh
• hot
• peppery
• piquant
• savory
• seasoned
• sweet
• tangy
• tasty
• zesty