petroleum

noun

pe·​tro·​leum pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm 

-ˈtrōl-yəm

: an oily flammable bituminous liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, occurs in many places in the upper strata of the earth, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other substances, and is prepared for use as gasoline, naphtha, or other products by various refining processes

Examples of petroleum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vikas Dwivedi, global energy strategist at Macquarie Group, said a temporary ban on oil and petroleum product exports would likely crash US gasoline and oil prices, easing pressure on consumers just in time for the midterms. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 6 May 2026

Through a process that uses heat and pressure to produce fuel, known as hydrothermal liquefaction, this humble seaweed could power ships and aircraft without any petroleum. —ABC News, 6 May 2026

Even if ongoing negotiations lead to a de-escalation, the logistical backlog will take quarters to unwind, keeping energy prices structurally supported, to say nothing of the need to replenish strategic petroleum reserves; an important insurance policy as the world has now been painfully reminded. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 6 May 2026

Since the start of the war, the United States has exported over 280 million barrels over nine weeks, drawing down the country's strategic petroleum reserves in the process. —Dian Zhang, USA Today, 6 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "mineral oil," borrowed from Medieval Latin, "mineral oil, crude oil," from Latin petra "rock" (borrowed from Greek pétra) + oleum "oil" — more at petro-, oil entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing petroleum

• liquefied petroleum gas
• petroleum jelly

Rhymes for petroleum

• folium
• lolium
• oleum
• scholium
• linoleum
• trifolium
• tetrazolium

Kids Definition

petroleum

noun

pe·​tro·​leum pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm 

-ˈtrōl-yəm

: an oily flammable liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, is obtained from wells drilled in the ground, and is the source of gasoline, kerosene, fuel oils, and other products

Medical Definition

petroleum

noun

pe·​tro·​leum pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm, -ˈtrōl-yəm 

: an oily flammable bituminous liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, occurs in many places in the upper strata of the earth, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other substances, and is prepared for use as gasoline, naphtha, or other products by various refining processes