glossy

American  

[glos-ee, glaw-see] / ˈglɒs i, ˈglɔ si /

adjective

glossier, glossiest

1. having a shiny or lustrous surface.

   Synonyms:

   glazed, polished, shining

   Antonyms:

   dull

2. having a false or deceptive appearance or air, especially of experience or sophistication; specious.

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noun

plural

glossies

1. slick.

2. a photograph printed on glossy paper.

glossy British  

/ ˈɡlɒsɪ /

adjective

1. smooth and shiny; lustrous

2. superficially attractive; plausible

3. (of a magazine) lavishly produced on shiny paper and usually with many colour photographs

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noun

1. Also called (US): slick.  an expensively produced magazine, typically a sophisticated fashion or glamour magazine, printed on shiny paper and containing high quality colour photography Compare pulp

2. a photograph printed on paper that has a smooth shiny surface

Other Word Forms

• glossily adverb
• glossiness noun
• nonglossy adjective
• unglossy adjective

Etymology

Origin of glossy

First recorded in 1550–60; gloss ¹ + -y ¹

Explanation

Something that is glossy is something that shines or is attractive. Things that are glossy reflect light, like certain types of lipstick. Glossy paper is smooth and has a shine to it, like the paper of most calendars. The word glossy sounds a little bit like the word glassy, which is a good way to remember it. Things that are glossy sort of look like glass, meaning they have a shine to them. After your teeth are cleaned, they'll hopefully look glossy. When you print photographs, you can choose a glossy finish — that’s when the image looks shiny and smooth. In that instance, the opposite of glossy is matte, a sort of rougher finish that doesn’t reflect light.

Example Sentences

In West Dorset, the more rugged part of Dorset county, this is when the holloways, or sunken lanes, are transformed into warrens of glossy ferns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

This makes it possible to switch between glossy and matte finishes, producing visual effects that surpass what current screens can achieve.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

The Georgian-style, brick and stone home offers an array of gorgeous details, like glossy wood and stone floors, red lacquer walls in the formal dining room, and numerous fireplaces.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

While Dubai's glossy image abounds online, many of the migrant workers who help power the economy here earn modest wages and live in shared accommodation on the outskirts of the city.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Her hair is glossy black and hangs to her waist.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Related Words

• bright
• gleaming
• glistening
• lustrous
• polished
• silky
• sleek
• slick