oiler

noun

oil·​er ˈȯi-lər How to pronounce oiler (audio)
1
: a person who oils something
2
: a receptacle or device for applying oil
3
oilers plural : oilskin sense 3
4
: an auxiliary naval vessel used for refueling at sea

Examples of oiler in a Sentence

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.
The oilers are particularly needed in the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf — areas regularly patrolled by warships based in San Diego, Hawaii, Washington state and sites in Japan. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 One by open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson said Russian ships, likely the Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Grigorovich frigates, the Novorossiysk Kilo-class submarine and oiler Vyazma were in a holding pattern five miles west of the port. Brendan Cole, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 The crew members who received permission to return to their home countries include a cook, several seamen, a fitter, an oiler and a general steward, now may be able to fly home. Madeleine O'Neill, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2024 Bennett’s email identifies the eight eligible crew members, which include a cook, a fitter and an oiler. Holly Yan, CNN, 20 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for oiler

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oiler was circa 1846

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oiler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oiler. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

oiler

noun
oil·​er ˈȯi-lər How to pronounce oiler (audio)
1
: a person (as a worker) who oils something
2
: a device for applying oil
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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