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.
The column also notes that California’s diesel supply is largely renewable diesel made from vegetable oils and animal fats, complicating the case that more crude oil would quickly ease prices. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Traditionally, the Cuban government bought staples like chicken, vegetable oil, rice, soy and corn from the United States, along with many other products. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 What’s Happening Home cooks and professional chefs are increasingly reaching for beef tallow in place of butter, vegetable oil and shortening. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026 Line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or a sheet of parchment paper generously coated with nonstick vegetable oil spray. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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