glossy

[glos-ee, glaw-see]

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.

noun

plural

glossies 

1. slick.

2. a photograph printed on glossy paper.

glossy

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of glossy¹

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

Example Sentences

It makes a frosting that’s glossy, aromatic, and just sweet enough to balance the apples.

From Salon

A year later, Disney+'s glossy TV adaption of Rivals brought her a new generation of fans.

From BBC

Accounts on the platforms show glossy brochures of the ship's decks, menus and cabins.

From BBC

Last spring, glossy magazine Paris Match published paparazzi pictures of her and her new partner strolling on Île de Ré.

From BBC

Each bite became its own surprise package: a tidy, glossy orb that burst when pulled apart, stretching cheese in gooey strings.

From Salon

Related Words

• bright 
• gleaming 
• glistening www.thesaurus.com
• lustrous 
• polished 
• silky 
• sleek 
• slick