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

• ˈspicily, adverb
• ˈspiciness, noun

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

The result is a spicy, aromatic wine with scents of lemongrass, orange peel and cardamom, plus ample mouthwatering acidity to make you come back for more.

From Washington Post

Its neutral taste pairs nicely with seasonings across the spectrum, from creamy to herbal to spicy, and the nooks and crannies of meat plus the cup of the shells help mussels capture and deliver flavor in every bite.

From Washington Post

Two promising entries off to fast starts are spicy Canada Dry Bold, and Dr Pepper & Cream Soda.

From Fortune

Just because I am brown and from Southeast Asia, does not mean that I love spicy food.

From Washington Blade

The mouthfeel is warm, chewy, crispy, and slightly spicy, and the soupy consistency made for a hydrating dish.

From Outside Online

I'm pleased with my decision to avoid the routine script problems in favor of the spicy stuff.

From The Daily Beast

That seemed to imply a spicy sex life, I say to him the next day.

From The Daily Beast

“I love spicy food, and my friends tell me that Sichuan hotpot has become very popular in Addis Abeba,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

Seeing how the sausage is made is always interesting—even if the sausage isn't particularly spicy.

From The Daily Beast

Stewed apples, dusted with cinnamon, are an ideal companion to spicy food.

From The Daily Beast

She saw his eyes light up with eager pleasure as he placed the flowers close to his pillow, and inhaled their spicy fragrance.

From Project Gutenberg

Farther along, striped grass, mints, herbs and balsams made the air heavy with spicy odors when the dew was on the grass.

From Project Gutenberg

In ten minutes more he was in the spicy glooms of the spruce-woods.

From Project Gutenberg

How inferior to these the trees of Lebanon in sacrifice, or all the spicy mountains of Arabia in a blaze!

From Project Gutenberg

To the farmer's peremptory call he returned the spicy repartee of a cheerful bark.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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