lubricant

noun

lu·​bri·​cant ˈlü-bri-kənt 

1

: a substance (such as grease) capable of reducing friction, heat, and wear when introduced as a film between solid surfaces

2

: something that lessens or prevents friction or difficulty

a social lubricant

lubricant adjective

Examples of lubricant in a Sentence

The car's axles need more lubricant.

using humor as a social lubricant

Recent Examples on the Web

Binda said investigators found $9,000 in cash, substances that tested positive for MDMA and ketamine, lubricant and baby oil. —Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025

Among the evidence found Inside the Park Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan where Combs had checked in days before, investigators found bags of lubricant, $9000 in cash, a bottle of clonazepam, and two small bags with pink powder. —Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 3 June 2025

However, there are several effective treatments for symptoms, including hormone therapy, antidepressants, and vaginal lubricants and moisturizers. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 23 May 2025

Among the items were cellphones stuffed inside a designer boot, a designer bag filled with drugs including ketamine and MDMA, dozens of bottles of lubricant, and a .45 caliber handgun in a red suitcase. —Nbc News, NBC news, 22 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

lubric(ate) + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lubricant

noun

lu·​bri·​cant ˈlü-bri-kənt 

: something (as a grease or oil) capable of reducing friction when applied between moving parts

lubricant adjective

Medical Definition

lubricant

1 of 2 adjective

lu·​bri·​cant ˈlü-bri-kənt 

: serving to lubricate a surface or part

lubricant

2 of 2 noun

: a substance that serves to lubricate a surface or part

normally, the intestinal passage requires no artificial lubricant

—E. B. Steen & Ashley Montagu