DictionaryAI

spicy

adjective
USSPY-see/ˈspaɪsi/

Formsspicier, spiciest

7 meanings of spicy

Practice

  1. 1
    adjectivecolloquial
    Tasting hot and burning in the mouth, like chili peppers.

    Like the burning feeling when you bite into a hot chili pepper.

    This curry is too spicy for me to finish.

    She loves spicy food that makes her sweat.

    Similarhot, fiery, peppery

    Oppositemild, bland

    Note
  2. 2
    adjective
    Made with spices, or having the taste or smell of spices.

    Like the warm smell of cinnamon and ginger in holiday baking.

    This stew has a rich, spicy smell.

    She baked a spicy cake full of cinnamon and cloves.

    Similarspiced, aromatic, piquant

    Oppositebland, mild

    Note
  3. 3
    adjective
    Having a sharp, strong taste or smell that is fresh and lively.

    Like the sharp smell of fresh ginger or strong cheese.

    The lemon dressing gave the salad a spicy kick.

    This aged cheese has a spicy, sharp flavor.

    Similartangy, pungent, zesty, peppery, sharp

    Oppositebland, mild

    Note
  4. 4
    adjective
    Sexually exciting in a slightly daring or naughty way.

    They shared some spicy messages late at night.

    The movie had a few spicy scenes that surprised them.

    Similarracy, steamy, suggestive, saucy

    Oppositeclean, tame

    Note
  5. 5
    adjective
    Full of shocking news or gossip that people love to talk about.

    The newspaper printed a spicy story about the mayor.

    Everyone wanted to hear the spicy details of the breakup.

    Similarscandalous, juicy, salacious, sensational

    Note
  6. 6
    adjective
    Lively, exciting, and full of energy.

    The band gave a spicy performance that got everyone dancing.

    She has a spicy personality full of energy and wit.

    Similarlively, colorful, spirited

    Oppositedull, tame, bland

  7. 7
    adjective
    Slightly risky, bold, or a little dangerous.

    Taking that shortcut at night felt a little spicy.

    He made a spicy bet that could lose all his money.

    Similarrisky, bold, daring, dicey

    Oppositesafe, cautious

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of spicy apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from the word "spice" plus "-y". It has been used since the 1500s.