lubricant

noun

lu·​bri·​cant ˈlü-bri-kənt 

1

: a substance (such as grease) capable of reducing friction, heat, and wear when introduced as a film between solid surfaces

2

: something that lessens or prevents friction or difficulty

a social lubricant

lubricant adjective

Examples of lubricant in a Sentence

The car's axles need more lubricant.

using humor as a social lubricant

Recent Examples on the Web

While other personal lubricants of this nature get sticky or tacky fairly quickly, Lelo's formula simply doesn’t. —Amanda Chatel, Wired News, 7 June 2025

Mucosal irritation: Preservatives commonly used in personal lubricants, called parabens, can cause vaginal and anal irritation in people with sensitive skin. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025

Also found were plastic bins containing 25 bottles of Johnson's Baby Oil and 31 bottles of Astroglide lubricant. —Janelle Griffith, People.com, 21 May 2025

Homeland Security Investigations special agent Yasin Binda testified that agents found numerous bottles of Johnson’s baby oil and Astroglide lubricant stashed around the hotel suite. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

lubric(ate) + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lubricant

noun

lu·​bri·​cant ˈlü-bri-kənt 

: something (as a grease or oil) capable of reducing friction when applied between moving parts

lubricant adjective

Medical Definition

lubricant

1 of 2 adjective

lu·​bri·​cant ˈlü-bri-kənt 

: serving to lubricate a surface or part

lubricant

2 of 2 noun

: a substance that serves to lubricate a surface or part

normally, the intestinal passage requires no artificial lubricant

—E. B. Steen & Ashley Montagu