: smoothly functioning
a well-oiled political machine

Examples of well-oiled 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.
Into this well-oiled, studied, precious little collection comes Carina (the magnificent Amber Gray of Hadestown). Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024 The Hogs did get out to a fast start, looking well-oiled for a first outing inside Walker Pavilion on a dreary day outside in Northwest Arkansas. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-oiled was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near well-oiled

Cite this Entry

“Well-oiled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-oiled. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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