vegetable oil

noun

: an oil of plant origin
especially : a fatty oil from seeds or fruits

Examples of vegetable oil 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.
In contrast to the more top-down food aid approach to 20th century aid (think, for instance, of grain or vegetable oil shipments to developing countries), this new effort focuses on countries that are already taking the lead on their own programs. Reem Alabali Radovan, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026 Those thin little wafers used for candy making are made with palm or vegetable oils in place of cocoa butter and do not typically have a strong chocolate flavor. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026 Instead, opt for leaner cuts of meat like pork tenderloin, beef sirloin, and skinless chicken breasts or thighs; swap out meat for other proteins like legumes and fish; and use vegetable oils (like olive) rather than solid fats (butter) when cooking. Beth Krietsch, SELF, 22 Jan. 2026 Drizzle a little more vegetable oil into the wok, add the rice and stir-fry for a minute or so, pressing into the rice to separate the grains out further while cooking them through. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vegetable oil

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vegetable oil was in 1765

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vegetable oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vegetable%20oil. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

vegetable oil

noun
: an oil obtained from plant parts and especially from seeds or fruits

Medical Definition

vegetable oil

noun
: an oil of plant origin
especially : a fatty oil from seeds or fruits

More from Merriam-Webster on vegetable oil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!