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

According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, this marks the second time ever that the average diesel price has exceeded $5, the first being in 2022 in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. —Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 17 Mar. 2026

Pompeo also seems unaware that Beijing has spent the last couple of years topping off its large strategic petroleum reserves. —Lyle Goldstein, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026

Authorities say no petroleum shipments have arrived in Cuba in the past three months. —George Solis, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday the government implemented a petroleum price ceiling. —Lim Hui Jie,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 15 Mar. 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