often attributive
1
a
: any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth
b(1)
(2)
: the petroleum industry
2
: a substance (such as a cosmetic preparation) of oily consistency
bath oil
3
a
: an oil color used by an artist
b
: a painting done in oil colors
4
: unctuous or flattering speech
oiled; oiling; oils
: to smear, rub over, furnish, or lubricate with oil
: to take on fuel oil
Examples of oil in a Sentence
Noun
The price of crude oil is expected to rise.
We heat our house with oil.
A little bit of oil will help lubricate the chain.
Add a little oil to the pan and stir-fry the onions.
The dressing is made with oil, vinegar, and a pinch of herbs.
Verb
He oiled the bearings of the machine.
if you oil the machinery on a regular basis, it will operate more efficiently
Recent Examples on the Web
Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Urban Decay Face Bond Self-setting Waterproof Foundation, $40 Because the entire face needs to be waterproof if its going to survive a night of bar-hopping: enter this matte, buildable-coverage foundation that aims to absorb sweat and oil during wear, sans powder.
5.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 May 2025
For example, the healing properties of the body oils in their first Desert Muse Collection are at the foundation of the brand.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for oil
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
This was always part of Tesla’s original master plan: target the heart of oil demand first.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Urban Decay Face Bond Self-setting Waterproof Foundation, $40 Because the entire face needs to be waterproof if its going to survive a night of bar-hopping: enter this matte, buildable-coverage foundation that aims to absorb sweat and oil during wear, sans powder.
5.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Verb
The light non-foaming cream is enriched with shea butter, plus monoi, avocado, and tamanu oils to nourish the strands while removing scalp buildup.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 May 2025
For example, the healing properties of the body oils in their first Desert Muse Collection are at the foundation of the brand.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for oil
Cite this Entry
“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oil
1 of 2 noun1
a
: any of numerous greasy flammable usually liquid substances from plant, animal, or mineral sources that do not dissolve in water and are used especially as lubricants, fuels, and food
b
2
: something (as a cosmetic) like oil or containing an oil
bath oil
suntan oil
3
a
: artist's paints made of pigments and oil
b
: a painting done in oils
oil
2 of 2 verb
: to put oil in or on
Medical Definition
oil
noun1
: any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth see essential oil, fatty oil, volatile oil
2
: a substance (as a cosmetic preparation) of oily consistency
bath oil
oil
adjective
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