lubricant

noun

lu·​bri·​cant ˈlü-bri-kənt How to pronounce lubricant (audio)
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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for lubricant

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lubricant was circa 1828

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lubricant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lubricant. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

lubricant

noun
lu·​bri·​cant ˈlü-bri-kənt How to pronounce lubricant (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce lubricant (audio)
: 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 lubricantE. B. Steen & Ashley Montagu

More from Merriam-Webster on lubricant

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