shale

noun

: a fissile rock that is formed by the consolidation of clay, mud, or silt, has a finely stratified or laminated structure, and is composed of minerals essentially unaltered since deposition
shaley adjective
or less commonly shaly

Examples of shale 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.
Future technological advances will play a crucial role in insulating the U.S. shale industry from price volatility by increasing efficiency and reducing the need for new project investments to meet demand. Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 The recent shale revolution – with new fracking methods extracting more oil from Texas, New Mexico and North Dakota – has pushed the US to become the biggest oil producer in the world. Ella Nilsen, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025 The effects will vary from one location to another; only some U.S. shale fields can still make a profit when oil is in the $50–60 range. Bilal Y. Saab, Foreign Affairs, 6 Jan. 2015 Gabrielle completed the look with studded leather pumps in a shade of shale. Julia Teti, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for shale

Word History

Etymology

probably from obsolete or dialect shale scale, shell, from Middle English, from Old English scealu — more at shell

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shale was in 1747

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shale. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

shale

noun
: a rock with a fine grain formed from clay, mud, or silt
shaley adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on shale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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