lubricate

verb

lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
lubricated; lubricating

transitive verb

1
: to make smooth or slippery
2
: to apply a lubricant to

intransitive verb

: to act as a lubricant
lubrication noun
lubricative adjective
lubricator noun

Examples of lubricate in a Sentence

it's not a good idea to use olive oil to lubricate the gears in an appliance
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chondroitin sulfate lubricates the eye to keep the cornea moist and clear during surgery.6 Some eye drops or contact solutions may contain chondroitin sulfate to reduce corneal swelling and irritation.7 More research is needed on chondroitin sulfate's effects on eye health. Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025 Replacing that lubricating oil more often than the normal maintenance schedule suggests may help your differentials last longer and work more efficiently. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 2 Mar. 2025 Now he is used mainly as a kind of deluxe bargaining chip, passed around between Europe’s heavy rollers, lubricating a transfer for Conor Gallagher here, helping Chelsea reduce their wage bill there. Jack Lang, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025 On the surface, these fatty acids lubricate the hair shaft for a fuller and shinier appearance.2 Oleic and linoleic acids also penetrate the hair axis (the hair strand's core) and root. Carley Millhone, Health, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lubricate

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre "to make slippery," derivative of lūbricus "slippery, hard to hold, liable to lead to false steps, hazardous" — more at sleeve

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lubricate was circa 1623

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lubricate. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

lubricate

verb
lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
lubricated; lubricating
1
: to make smooth or slippery
2
: to apply a lubricant to
lubricate a car
3
: to act as a lubricant
lubrication noun
lubricator noun

Medical Definition

lubricate

transitive verb
lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-bri-ˌkāt How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
lubricated; lubricating
: to make smooth, slippery, or oily in motion, action, or appearance
lubricate the eye
lubricate the skin
lubrication noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lubricate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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