English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adjective

unctuous

UNK-choo-uhs

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Unctuous (adjective) means having a greasy or oily texture or composition. Example: “The mechanic's hands were unctuous with engine oil.”

adjective

1

Having a greasy or oily texture or composition.

"The mechanic's hands were unctuous with engine oil."

"He wiped the unctuous residue from the pan."

"The lotion left an unctuous film on her skin."

2

Of food, drink or aroma, having a rich, smooth and full-bodied quality.

"The wine had an unctuous, velvety finish."

"Critics praised the sauce for its unctuous texture."

"The soup was thick and unctuous, coating the spoon."

How to use unctuous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGreasy or oily, or, of food and drink, richly smooth in flavour.

When to use it

It applies literally to greasy substances and, in tasting notes, to food or drink with a rich, smooth texture.

Memory tip

Picture butter or oil to remember the greasy, smooth quality the word describes.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

unctuous sauce unctuous texture unctuous cream

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “unctuous” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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The mechanic's hands were _____ with engine oil.

Etymology

Unctuous comes from Late Middle English, borrowed from the Medieval Latin word unctuosus, meaning greasy or oily. That word derives from Latin unctum, meaning ointment, which is a form of the verb unguo, to anoint or smear with oil. The ultimate root traces back to an old Indo-European word meaning to anoint.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

greasy oily oleaginous buttery soapy smarmy fulsome

Related words

fatty overweight slippery greasy oily pantry buttery fulsome

Rhymes for unctuous

yous nous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tortuous spurious infamous venomous

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Frequently asked questions

What does unctuous mean?

It describes something greasy or oily in texture, or a rich, smooth flavour in food and drink.

Can unctuous be a compliment?

Yes, when used of a luxurious flavour or texture in food or wine, though it always carries an association with oiliness.

Where does the word unctuous come from?

It comes from Latin unctum, meaning ointment, by way of the Medieval Latin word unctuosus.

What is the meaning of unctuous?

"unctuous" (adjective) means having a greasy or oily texture or composition.

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