mineral oil

noun

: an oil of mineral origin

especially : a refined petroleum oil used especially as a laxative

Examples of mineral oil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, mineral oil, and ceramides to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated.2 Tips For Choosing a Magnesium Lotion Magnesium lotion can be purchased over-the-counter and does not need a prescription. —Health, 16 June 2025

Safe for most skin types, the formula is free of fragrance, oil, mineral oil, alcohol, talc, silicone, and gluten. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 May 2025

After drying, apply a very light layer of mineral oil over the blade to prevent rust. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2025

Again, no need to invest in harsh ingredients—a dab of high-quality beeswax polish or a touch of mineral oil can bring back the shine. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mineral oil

• aerofoil
• cinquefoil
• hydrofoil
• quatrefoil
• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil

Kids Definition

mineral oil

noun

: an oil (as petroleum) of mineral origin

especially : a purified petroleum oil having no color, odor, or taste that is used especially as a laxative

Medical Definition

mineral oil

noun

1

: a liquid product of mineral origin that has the viscosity of an oil

2

: a transparent oily liquid obtained usually by distilling petroleum and used chiefly in medicine for treating constipation and especially formerly as a demulcent and solvent for nose and throat medication

called also liquid petrolatum, white mineral oil