fuel oil

noun

: an oil that is used for fuel and that usually has a higher flash point than kerosene

Examples of fuel oil 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 group estimates families abandoning fuel oil or propane could save closer to $1,000 annually. Jessica Towhey, Boston Herald, 5 Dec. 2025 Officials cited vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and heavy fuel oil use as the primary sources of pollution. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025 Since the 1960s, heavy fuel oil—a residual product from refining gasoline, diesel, and kerosene—has been the principal energy source for ocean-faring vessels. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025 Heavy fuel oil also produces black carbon, a kind of soot that can settle on the ice and accelerate melt by darkening the surface, meaning more of the sun’s energy is absorbed. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fuel oil

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fuel oil was in 1893

Cite this Entry

“Fuel oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel%20oil. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

fuel oil

noun
: an oil that is used for fuel and that usually ignites at a higher temperature than kerosene

More from Merriam-Webster on fuel oil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!