GLOSSY (glossier, glossiest)

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

Irregular inflected forms: glossier    , glossiest   

 Dictionary entry overview: What does glossy mean? 

• GLOSSY (noun)
  The noun GLOSSY has 2 senses:

1. a magazine printed on good quality paper

2. a photograph that is printed on smooth shiny paper

  Familiarity information: GLOSSY used as a noun is rare.

• GLOSSY (adjective)
  The adjective GLOSSY has 4 senses:

1. based on pretense; deceptively pleasing

2. (of paper and fabric and leather) having a surface made smooth and shiny especially by pressing between rollers

3. reflecting light

4. superficially attractive and stylish; suggesting wealth or expense

  Familiarity information: GLOSSY used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• GLOSSY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A magazine printed on good quality paper

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

glossy; slick; slick magazine

Hypernyms ("glossy" is a kind of...):

mag; magazine (a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A photograph that is printed on smooth shiny paper

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("glossy" is a kind of...):

exposure; photo; photograph; pic; picture (a representation of a person or scene in the form of a print or transparent slide or in digital format)

• GLOSSY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Based on pretense; deceptively pleasing

Synonyms:

gilded; glossy; meretricious; specious

Context example:

a meretricious argument

Similar:

insincere (lacking sincerity)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of paper and fabric and leather) having a surface made smooth and shiny especially by pressing between rollers

Synonyms:

calendered; glossy

Context example:

glossy paper

Similar:

glazed; shiny (having a shiny surface or coating)

Derivation:

glossiness (the property of being smooth and shiny)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Reflecting light

Synonyms:

glistening; glossy; lustrous; sheeny; shining; shiny

Context example:

shining white enamel

Similar:

bright (emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts)

Derivation:

glossiness (the property of being smooth and shiny)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Superficially attractive and stylish; suggesting wealth or expense

Synonyms:

glossy; showy

Context example:

a glossy TV series

Similar:

attractive (pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm)

 Context examples 

He stepped past and laid his hand upon the glossy neck of the thoroughbred.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The coat is short and glossy in red or tan, often with white markings.

(Pharaoh Hound, NCI Thesaurus)

By this means he ironed the yoke, wristbands, and neckband, setting the latter at right angles to the shirt, and put the glossy finish on the bosom.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

The German Pinscher, also called the Standard Pinscher, is a medium-sized, tall terrier with a smooth, glossy coat that comes in red fawn, black and tan, and dark brown with yellow markings.

(German Pinscher, NCI Thesaurus)

Looking down I saw a stately carriage and pair, the brilliant lamps gleaming on the glossy haunches of the noble chestnuts.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

There are two types: Rough Coated (harsh wiry and dense), and Smooth-Coated or Petit Brabancon variety (short, straight, glossy).

(Brussels Griffon, NCI Thesaurus)

You say yourself that the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

And then she had such a fine head of hair; raven-black and so becomingly arranged: a crown of thick plaits behind, and in front the longest, the glossiest curls I ever saw.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Here is a nut, said he, catching one down from an upper bough, to exemplify: a beautiful glossy nut, which, blessed with original strength, has outlived all the storms of autumn.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

I like these glossy spots.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)