fuel oil

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

While the amount of diesel and industrial fuel oil which leaked into the water is unknown, the oil has been spotted as far south as Semirara island, more than 80 miles (130 kilometers) from where the tanker sank. —Naomi Schanen, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2023

In the early 20th century, most of the U.S. Navy’s big warships used coal, not fuel oil, to heat their boilers and provide power. —Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 27 Feb. 2023

However, fuel oil was still up 41.5% year-over-year. —Q.ai - Powering A Personal Wealth Movement, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2023

The ship is holding more than 1,000 U.S. tons of fuel oil, and more than 70,000 U.S. tons of coal. —Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2010

Electricity is up almost 12 percent over this time last year and fuel oil has seen a 30 percent jump — higher than food, transportation, and even medical care. —Micki Wagner, Popular Mechanics, 21 Feb. 2023

For example, a family of four in Maine—where more expensive fuel oil is a common heat source—is eligible if their gross income is less than $59,348. —Time, 20 Jan. 2023

A decade ago, the cruise line ditched heavy fuel oil in favor of cleaner-burning marine gas oil. —Christopher Elliott, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2022

Other areas of the market are also rallying, with traders pointing to the prospect of extended OPEC+ production curbs as a major driver in a surge in fuel oil prices. —Andres Guerra Luz, Bloomberg.com, 2 Nov. 2020

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Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fuel oil

noun

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