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 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fuel oil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near fuel oil

Cite this Entry

“Fuel oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel%20oil. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

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!


Challenging Standardized Test Words

  • high school student holding a pencil leaning over a sat test
  • Despite the cacophony, the student tried to study.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY