: a fissile rock that is formed by the consolidation of clay, mud, or silt, has a finely stratified or laminated structure, and is composed of minerals essentially unaltered since deposition
Examples of shale in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Appalachian region—primarily the Marcellus and Utica shale plays in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio—produces just over one-third of the nation’s gas with proximity to Virginia’s growing Data Center Alley.
—
Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025
In July, the Federal Trade Commission was said to be probing whether Hess and other US shale CEOs improperly communicated with OPEC officials about raising the price of oil, especially during the Covid-19 downturn.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 July 2025
Yet experts say the persistent steps to raise output are part of long-term efforts to crowd out US shale companies as well as to maintain adherence to national quotas within the grouping, all while addressing US President Donald Trump’s calls for lower oil prices.
—semafor.com, 8 July 2025
These selections showcase how Sauvignon Blanc adapts and thrives across diverse climates, both cool and warm, and soils—from the flinty terroirs of the Loire and Italy’s alpine foothills to Cape Town’s cool shale and California’s gravel beds.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shale
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.
Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025
In July, the Federal Trade Commission was said to be probing whether Hess and other US shale CEOs improperly communicated with OPEC officials about raising the price of oil, especially during the Covid-19 downturn.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 July 2025
Yet experts say the persistent steps to raise output are part of long-term efforts to crowd out US shale companies as well as to maintain adherence to national quotas within the grouping, all while addressing US President Donald Trump’s calls for lower oil prices.
—semafor.com, 8 July 2025
These selections showcase how Sauvignon Blanc adapts and thrives across diverse climates, both cool and warm, and soils—from the flinty terroirs of the Loire and Italy’s alpine foothills to Cape Town’s cool shale and California’s gravel beds.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shale
Cite this Entry
“Shale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shale. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share