Greasy - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT greasy /ˈgrisi/ /ˈgrisi/ IPA guide

Other forms: greasier; greasiest

Greasy things are oily and slick, like those delicious greasy fries you eat at the state fair, and the greasy fingers you lick clean.

Anything that contains or is covered with slippery fat is greasy, whether it's fried dough or a car's engine. Things that look oily, like your brother's unwashed hair, are also greasy. Both grease and greasy come from a Latin root meaning "fat." A "greasy spoon" is a small, inexpensive restaurant or diner, named for the fact that many foods in such a place tend to be fried in oil or other fats.

Definitions of greasy

adjective containing an unusual amount of grease or oil “greasy hamburgers” synonyms: oily, oleaginous, sebaceous, unctuous fat, fatty containing or composed of fat
adjective smeared or soiled with grease or oil “greasy coveralls” synonyms: oily dirty, soiled, unclean soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

Pronunciation US /ˈgrisi/ UK /ˈgrisi/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘greasy'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing greasy

Spelling Practice 1, Unit 6

Choose the Spelling Bee activity to practice spelling these words.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account