fracking

noun

frack·​ing ˈfra-kiŋ How to pronounce fracking (audio)
: the injection of fluid into shale beds at high pressure in order to free up petroleum resources (such as oil or natural gas)
frack verb

Did you know?

Hydraulic fracturing is a technique in which a liquid is injected under high pressure into a well in order to create tiny fissures in the rock deep beneath the earth which then allow gas and oil to flow into the well. The term "hydraulic fracturing" is first known to have appeared in print in a 1948 issue of Oil & Gas Journal. A 1953 issue of the same journal also contains the earliest known print use of "fracking." The word fracking (sometimes spelled fraccing or fracing, particularly by those in the gas and oil industries) was created by shortening "fracturing." The addition of the "k" brings the word into conformity with the inflected forms of similar English words ending in a vowel plus "c," such as shellacking, panicking, and frolicking.

Examples of fracking 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 reason behind the sinking ground is called subsidence, an often invisible threat that exists most often when water, oil, natural gas, or mineral resources are removed from the ground by pumping, fracking, or mining activities. Allison Kiehl, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 The company’s two-part explanation said the blowout happened during a period after fracking had been finished and before extraction began. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 26 June 2025 While other states pursued fracking or other things, Kansas has stayed true. Rich Tabaka, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Since then, fracking has led to production surging to all-time highs. Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fracking

Word History

Etymology

by shortening & alteration from (hydraulic) fracturing

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fracking was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Fracking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fracking. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fracking

noun
frack·​ing
ˈfra-kiŋ
: the injection of fluid into shale beds at high pressure in order to free up petroleum resources (as oil or natural gas)
frack
ˈfrak
verb
Etymology

from (hydraulic) fracturing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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