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
Ramin Mostaghim, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024
As different as water and oil, Medrano’s deep, gravelly voice contrasts with Rizzi’s soft, ethereal tone, capturing the disappointment of a love that is impossible to leave behind.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2024
Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Oct. 2024
Used for centuries by many parts of the world, hair oiling locks in moisture, reduces frizz, adds shine, and protects hair from environmental stressors.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oil 
Noun
In the weeks leading up to the attack, Biden administration officials repeatedly urged Israel to avoid targeting Iran’s oil industry — lest world markets be harmed — or its nuclear power facilities.
—Ramin Mostaghim, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024
As different as water and oil, Medrano’s deep, gravelly voice contrasts with Rizzi’s soft, ethereal tone, capturing the disappointment of a love that is impossible to leave behind.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
This formula uses argan, olive, coconut, apricot, Marula, jojoba, and camellia oils to boost sleekness and softness, cutting down on frizz all the while.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Oct. 2024
Used for centuries by many parts of the world, hair oiling locks in moisture, reduces frizz, adds shine, and protects hair from environmental stressors.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oil
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near oil
Cite this Entry
“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil. Accessed 5 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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