oil

word

/ˈɔɪɫ/
oyl
/ˈɔɪl/
oyl

Definition

A thick liquid fat used in cooking, fuel, and many products. It can mean cooking oil from plants or petroleum taken from the ground.

Usage & Nuances

'Oil' is commonly uncountable: say 'some oil' or 'a bottle of oil,' not usually 'an oil' unless you mean a type of oil. Common collocations include 'olive oil,' 'cooking oil,' 'oil prices,' and 'oil spill.' In cars, 'oil' often means engine oil.

Example Sentences

I cook with olive oil.

basic

The car needs more oil.

basic

There is oil on the floor.

basic

Check the oil before we leave, just in case.

natural

Oil prices went up again this week.

natural

This sauce needs a little more oil to be smooth.

natural