oil well

noun

: a well from which petroleum is obtained

Examples of oil well 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.
That area contains 15 active oil wells — the only ones in Santa Clara County. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2026 Stratus Stratus is also expected to plug and abandon some of the existing oil wells. Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026 The most productive oil well on the planet had just been discovered. David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026 The oil well first showed signs of activity in August, when residents of a home on Marcus Avenue reported oil seeping from their foundation. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oil well

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oil well was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Oil well.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil%20well. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

oil well

noun
: a well from which petroleum is obtained

More from Merriam-Webster on oil well

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