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

For example, standard plastics, composites, sealants, and lubricants manufactured on Earth will release trapped gases and volatile compounds, and rapidly degrade in Mars' near-vacuum. — New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026

Moisturizers, cleansers, bath soaks, lubricants for our vulvas. — Valerie Monroe, Allure, 21 Sep. 2026

Expect more work happy hours with real NA options, more weddings with zero-proof bars and more brand campaigns that don’t treat alcohol as the default social lubricant. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Earlier this week, the Grammy-winning country singer, 38, launched her own line of personal lubricant called Drought Drops in collaboration with the women’s wellness company Medicine Mama. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

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