often attributive
1
a
: any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth
b(1)
(2)
: the petroleum industry
2
: a substance (such as a cosmetic preparation) of oily consistency
bath oil
3
a
: an oil color used by an artist
b
: a painting done in oil colors
4
: unctuous or flattering speech
oiled; oiling; oils
: to smear, rub over, furnish, or lubricate with oil
: to take on fuel oil
Synonyms
Examples of oil in a Sentence
Noun
The price of crude oil is expected to rise.
We heat our house with oil.
A little bit of oil will help lubricate the chain.
Add a little oil to the pan and stir-fry the onions.
The dressing is made with oil, vinegar, and a pinch of herbs.
Verb
He oiled the bearings of the machine.
if you oil the machinery on a regular basis, it will operate more efficiently
Recent Examples on the Web
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Prices at the pump rise and fall with global oil markets, but state taxes, environmental fees and these pass-through costs add to the total price.
—Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
While bamboo and wood cutting boards should never go in the dishwasher, keeping them oiled will help to prevent future stains.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oil 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
In oil markets, U.S. crude rose to $71.76 a barrel, while Brent crude climbed to $75.39, reflecting production delays announced by major oil producers, including Saudi Arabia.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Prices at the pump rise and fall with global oil markets, but state taxes, environmental fees and these pass-through costs add to the total price.
—Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Looks like Trump might be oiling the wheels for Kennedy Jr. to determine what happens with health and science policy, operations and research in the U.S. government.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
While bamboo and wood cutting boards should never go in the dishwasher, keeping them oiled will help to prevent future stains.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oil
Dictionary Entries Near oil
Cite this Entry
“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oil
1 of 2 noun1
a
: any of numerous greasy flammable usually liquid substances from plant, animal, or mineral sources that do not dissolve in water and are used especially as lubricants, fuels, and food
b
2
: something (as a cosmetic) like oil or containing an oil
bath oil
suntan oil
3
a
: artist's paints made of pigments and oil
b
: a painting done in oils
oil
2 of 2 verb
: to put oil in or on
Medical Definition
oil
noun1
: any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth see essential oil, fatty oil, volatile oil
2
: a substance (as a cosmetic preparation) of oily consistency
bath oil
oil
adjective
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