shale

noun

: 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
shaley adjective
or less commonly shaly

Examples of shale 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.
Domestic production is over 13 million barrels per day, with shale making up 70% of the total. Dan Eberhart, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 There is also a growing concern among many in the shale sector that the inventory of Class 1 drilling projects is depleted, meaning overall production from the Permian Basin and other major shale plays around the country could peak in the near future. David Blackmon, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Brandywine Falls, a spectacle that sends water soaring down 60 feet of shale and sandstones, is arguably the park’s most popular attraction. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025 Key to this strategy is the promotion of the U.S. shale industry, which has revolutionized domestic energy production over the past decade. Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shale

Word History

Etymology

probably from obsolete or dialect shale scale, shell, from Middle English, from Old English scealu — more at shell

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shale was in 1747

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shale. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

shale

noun
: a rock with a fine grain formed from clay, mud, or silt
shaley adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on shale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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