oiler

noun oil·er \ ˈȯi-lər \

|Updated on: 26 Jun 2018

Definition of oiler

1 : a person who oils something

2 : a receptacle or device for applying oil

3 oilers plural : oilskin 3

4 : an auxiliary naval vessel used for refueling at sea

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Recent Examples of oiler from the Web

In 1956, after a stint in the Army, Mr. Sadlowski was hired at 18 to be an oiler at the United States Steel South Works in South Chicago.

— sam roberts, New York Times, "Ed Sadlowski, Fiery Steelworkers Insurgent, Dies at 79," 14 June 2018
But the Navy chose NASSCO to build six next-generation fleet oiler ships, work that’s worth about $3.4 billion when engineering is factored in.

— gary robbins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "General Dynamics-NASSCO looking to hire up to 1,000 shipbuilders," 30 Mar. 2018
If a chain needs to be tightened, there's both an automatic oiler and an easily adjustable chain system to keep things running smoothly.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Let 'Er Rip With These Discounted Chainsaws," 3 Nov. 2017
An oiler acts as an assistant to the large machine operators, maintaining the equipment, and in turn, the operator trains the apprentice on the job.

— jacob gedetsis, kansascity, "High above KC’s changing skyline, crane operators build downtown’s revitalization," 4 Aug. 2017
Talks broke down over disagreements about the role of oilers on building sites, how the GBCA should collect dues and when double time should be paid.

— jane m. von bergen, Philly.com, "Fragile peace: Crane union may end walkout," 1 July 2017
A few hours earlier, Barkley interrupted Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey talking about the 1984-85 Oilers being voted by NHL fans as the greatest team in league history.

— teresa m. walker, The Denver Post, "Charles Barkley takes up Gary Bettman’s invitation to Stanley Cup Final," 5 June 2017
Oilers on NCAA stage Huntington Beach High had a strong presence at the NCAA men’s volleyball championship, which held its semifinals on Thursday.

— barry faulkner, Daily Pilot, "Hughes aims to complete collegiate legacy," 4 May 2017
The Mahan was traveling in formation at the time with two other U.S. vessels, the amphibious craft Makin Island and the oiler Walter S. Diehl, Davis said.

— dan lamothe, Washington Post, "Iranian navy points laser at Marine helicopter in altercation involving three U.S. ships," 14 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oiler.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of oiler

circa 1846

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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