lubricate

verb

lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
lubricated; lubricating
Synonyms of lubricatenext

transitive verb

1
: to make smooth or slippery
2
: to apply a lubricant to

intransitive verb

: to act as a lubricant
lubrication
ˌlü-brə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
noun
lubricative
ˈlü-brə-ˌkā-tiv How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
adjective
lubricator
ˈlü-brə-ˌkā-tər How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of lubricate

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Examples of lubricate in a Sentence

it's not a good idea to use olive oil to lubricate the gears in an appliance
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.
So, Ohtani kept trying to work his way back to the mound for weeks after receiving a lubricating Orthovisc injection in his knee at the beginning of the All-Star break. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 The company is aiming to solve critical supply chain issues in the defense sector with a specialized orange prototype designed to lubricate unmanned aircraft. — La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 The day manager greeted her at the club, still in his shiny vest but now well lubricated and nearly slurring his words. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 In general, older knees also have less lubricating synovial fluid than younger ones and the fluid is more watery and carries fewer nutrients. — Aaron Steckelberg, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lubricate

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre "to make slippery," derivative of lūbricus "slippery, hard to hold, liable to lead to false steps, hazardous" — more at sleeve

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lubricate was circa 1623

Rhymes for lubricate

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Browse Nearby Words

lubricant
lubricate
lubricating oil
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lubricate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lubricate

verb
lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
lubricated; lubricating
1
: to make smooth or slippery
2
: to apply a lubricant to
lubricate a car
3
: to act as a lubricant
lubrication
ˌlü-brə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
noun
lubricator
ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt-ər How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

lubricate

transitive verb
lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-bri-ˌkāt How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
lubricated; lubricating
: to make smooth, slippery, or oily in motion, action, or appearance
lubricate the eye
lubricate the skin
lubrication
ˌlü-brə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
noun
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