oil slick

noun

: a film of oil floating on water

Examples of oil slick 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.
According to a statement, the port is prioritizing cleanup at all three terminals and the Berendrecht-Zandvliet lock complex, which also closed due to the oil slicks. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026 Seeking a better solution, the researchers at Texas A&M developed a fire whirl that can burn off 95% of an oil slick, leaving much fewer particles behind than current practices. New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2026 In the Boston area, a train with lasers mounted in front zaps the rails to deal with leaf slurry that creates an oil slick. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026 The mirror’s surface turned suddenly iridescent, like an oil slick beneath a gloaming. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oil slick

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oil slick was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

“Oil slick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil%20slick. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

oil slick

noun
: a film of oil floating on water
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