petroleum

noun

pe·​tro·​leum pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm How to pronounce petroleum (audio)
-ˈtrōl-yəm
: an oily flammable bituminous liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, occurs in many places in the upper strata of the earth, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other substances, and is prepared for use as gasoline, naphtha, or other products by various refining processes

Examples of petroleum 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.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, argued last month that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East stacked to create the current crisis, rather than just one. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2026 These shocks have changed the economics of petroleum shipments in two ways. — Michel Robe, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026 Challenges that the oil industry is facing will not slow demand for petroleum next year, OPEC projected. — Max Rego, The Hill, 13 Oct. 2026 The investigation involved petroleum allegedly acquired and sold across Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, the commission added. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for petroleum

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "mineral oil," borrowed from Medieval Latin, "mineral oil, crude oil," from Latin petra "rock" (borrowed from Greek pétra) + oleum "oil" — more at petro-, oil entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petroleum was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing petroleum

Rhymes for petroleum

See All Rhymes for petroleum

Browse Nearby Words

petroleous
petroleum
petroleum asphalt
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Cite this Entry

“Petroleum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroleum. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

petroleum

noun
pe·​tro·​leum pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm How to pronounce petroleum (audio)
-ˈtrōl-yəm
: an oily flammable liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, is obtained from wells drilled in the ground, and is the source of gasoline, kerosene, fuel oils, and other products

Medical Definition

petroleum

noun
pe·​tro·​leum pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm, -ˈtrōl-yəm How to pronounce petroleum (audio)
: an oily flammable bituminous liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, occurs in many places in the upper strata of the earth, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other substances, and is prepared for use as gasoline, naphtha, or other products by various refining processes

More from Merriam-Webster on petroleum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about petroleum

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