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

As with the cold plunging craze, saunas increasingly serve as a kind of social lubricant, a place where people can find connection and a brief reprieve from their phones. —Will Stone, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026

Best solid toiletries to replace liquids for travel Replace your liquid shampoo with this multitasking shampoo bar that can be used to wash your hair and your body, as a lubricant for shaving or even to handwash items of clothing like underwear or socks. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026

During his arrest at the motel, officials recovered condoms, a knife, lubricant, razor blades, bloody tissues, and a boarding pass for Pysher’s flight to Los Angeles. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026

The officers found condoms, a knife, lubricant, razor blades, bloody tissues, a Faraday bag commonly used to block electronic signals and a boarding pass for Pysher's flight in his motel room. —Austin Turner, CBS News, 23 Feb. 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