spicy

American  

[spahy-see] / ˈspaɪ si /

Or spicey

adjective

spicier, spiciest

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.

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spicy British  

/ ˈspaɪsɪ /

adjective

1. seasoned with or containing spice

2. highly flavoured; pungent

3. informal suggestive of scandal or sensation

4. producing or yielding spices

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Other Word Forms

• spicily adverb
• spiciness noun
• unspicily adverb
• unspiciness noun
• unspicy adjective

Etymology

Origin of spicy

First recorded in 1555–65; spice + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“So spicy!” the sailor said, covering his mouth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wales and Ireland's relations in the past have been spicy, mainly in Warren Gatland's first stint in charge as head coach.

From BBC

She herself is a fan: "They are spicy and that's what keeps grabbing our eyeballs."

From BBC

“The biggest symptoms we had were stomach problems. It’s like eating really spicy food and you get intense burning,” Hopper said.

From Los Angeles Times

The first thing I noticed was a delicious smell, sweet and spicy.

From Literature

Related Words

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