lubricate

verb

lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt 

lubricated; lubricating

transitive verb

1

: to make smooth or slippery

2

: to apply a lubricant to

intransitive verb

: to act as a lubricant

lubrication

ˌlü-brə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

lubricative

ˈlü-brə-ˌkā-tiv 

adjective

lubricator

ˈlü-brə-ˌkā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• grease
• oil
• slick
• wax

Examples of lubricate in a Sentence

it's not a good idea to use olive oil to lubricate the gears in an appliance

Recent Examples on the Web

While these drops work well for lubricating dry eyes caused by allergies, they can also be used to moisturize gritty or blurry eyes, eye strain or fatigue, and excessive tearing. —Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2023

Hyaluronic acid supplements: Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body that helps retain moisture and keep tissues well lubricated. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023

But don’t touch or lubricate bolts on the torsion springs. —Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 30 June 2023

The reason for this is that oil-free air compressors are coated with chemicals that lubricate the machine on its own. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2023

The set includes an everyday sharpening stone; Camellia oil, an excellent light oil to protect and lubricate garden tools; an oil dispenser for more straightforward application and Niwaki’s Crean Mate; a scouring stone that removes rust, sap and grime. —Ebony Roberts, wsj.com, 17 Oct. 2023

This will enable it to lubricate the joints, promote the growth of connective tissue, reduce the production of c reactive protein, and provide relief from inflammation and degenerative autoimmune diseases, like arthritis. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023

Their hands should be gloved and their finger should be lubricated for this exam. —Adriana Gallardo, ProPublica, 15 Sep. 2023

It should be properly lubricated with the sauce, aioli, jam or spread of your choosing. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre "to make slippery," derivative of lūbricus "slippery, hard to hold, liable to lead to false steps, hazardous" — more at sleeve

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

lubricate

verb

lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt 

lubricated; lubricating

1

: to make smooth or slippery

2

: to apply a lubricant to

lubricate a car

3

: to act as a lubricant

lubrication

ˌlü-brə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

lubricator

ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt-ər 

noun

Medical Definition

lubricate

transitive verb

lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-bri-ˌkāt 

lubricated; lubricating

: to make smooth, slippery, or oily in motion, action, or appearance

lubricate the eye

lubricate the skin

lubrication

ˌlü-brə-ˈkā-shən 

noun