slimy

American  

[slahy-mee] / ˈslaɪ mi /

adjective

slimier, slimiest

1. of or like slime.

2. abounding in or covered with slime.

3. offensively foul or vile.

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slimy British  

/ ˈslaɪmɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by, covered with, containing, secreting, or resembling slime

2. offensive or repulsive

3. characterized by servility

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Other Word Forms

• slimily adverb
• sliminess noun

Etymology

Origin of slimy

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; slime, -y ¹

Explanation

A slimy slug is fun, but a slimy person is tricky. Slimy means either sticky and wet, or dishonest and rude. A creep who sells broken wheelchairs while smiling is slimy. Slime is a moist and clammy substance, like the stuff a snail leaves behind or the mucus that comes out of your nose. Anything that's slimy is like slime, so it's a good word for describing gross substances. If your oatmeal is slimy, it's less than appetizing, and if a pond is slimy, you probably won't want to swim in it. Figuratively, slimy also means "evil" or "despicable."

Example Sentences

I don’t want to ruin this friendship, but it feels slimy.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

Understanding how this molecular gearbox works could help researchers develop ways to stop bacteria from forming biofilms, slimy communities that cause infections and contaminate medical devices.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

"The monster itself is very Cthulhu-esque seaside horror - octopussy, tentacles, slimy, gross - that kind of thing."

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

But there is one little thing: Okra, like marshmallow root and aloe vera, is mucilaginous, meaning it can get slimy when sliced and cooked.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2025

Only a winged creature could reach it, so steep and slimy were the rocks on all sides, and so fearful the onrush of the descending waters.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• viscous