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

The Ufa refinery is one of Russia’s largest producers of lubricants and is located more than 600 miles from Ukraine, Zelensky said on social media. — Dasha Litvinova, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

The refinery, which Zelenskyy said was one of Russia's largest producers of lubricants, sits more than 1,300 km, or about 800 miles, from the frontline. — Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Sitting for hours on end compresses joints and reduces circulation of synovial fluid, the body’s natural joint lubricant. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

Or Gaudette represents the brave, bold, knock-you-on-your-backside future of filmmaking in a much worse way, in which time, money, actors or anything human the process might lubricate or use as lubricant has quietly slipped away. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 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