oil slick

noun

: a film of oil floating on water

Examples of oil slick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Meanwhile, satellite images reviewed by The Associated Press show what appears to be an oil slick in the Persian Gulf emanating from the western side of Kharg Island, Iran's main crude export terminal. Arkansas Online, 9 May 2026 Satellite images reviewed by The Associated Press show what appears to be an oil slick in the Persian Gulf emanating from the western side of Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude export terminal. ABC News, 9 May 2026 Images show apparent oil slick off Iranian terminal Satellite images reviewed by the Associated Press show what appears to be an oil slick in the Persian Gulf emanating from the western side of Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude export terminal. Adam Schreck, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026 The candelabra, made from alpaca metal (also known as nickel silver), embraces visible marks of welding and heat treatment, creating oil slick-like effects. Francesca Perry, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 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 15 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

oil slick

noun
: a film of oil floating on water
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