oil patch

noun

1
2
: the petroleum industry

Examples of oil patch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images Shale oil executives say President Donald Trump is hurting investment in the oil patch, and are giving a grim outlook for the future of the industry that turned the U.S. into the largest crude producer in the world. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025 But in the oil patch, the mood is anything but celebratory. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025 In other words, the oil patch is growing up. Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Among its provisions, SB 237 includes language aimed at increasing output in Kern County, which is the heart of California’s oil patch, to stabilize the fuels market. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oil patch

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1952, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oil patch was circa 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Oil patch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil%20patch. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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