to oil
- verb
- /ɔɪl/
- After cleaning the bike chain, don't forget to oil it for smooth riding.
- oil machinery
- oil a machine
- well-oiled
You know, things need some oiling and and lubing.
- You know, things need some oiling and and lubing.
- I will say one thing, one pro tip, do not oil your sauna.
Examples
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We need to oil the hinges on the door so they won't squeak.
-
Now, in the cupboard by your bed... you'll find a feather and a small bottle of oil... so that you may oil the lock and hinges on the ante-room door.
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OK, now we just put some oil on that.
-
- Want me to oil them down?
-
Do you have to oil it often?
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We must oil that gate, Diego.
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Oil the sword and feed the horse.
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Now, I got my chair oiled and ready to roll.
-
Oil the engine up.
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The back gate was freshly oiled, so it didn't creak.
Fiction book (1996)
Synonyms
To put oily material on moving parts so they move smoothly
To put oil or ointment on a person, often in a religious ceremony
To make machine parts move smoothly by putting oil or grease on them
Apply oil or grease to a machine part so it moves more easily
To apply oil to a person in a religious ceremony to show blessing or protection
To put oil or ointment on someone as part of a religious blessing
To put oil or ointment on a part of the body for healing and blessing
Idioms
- Informal
To say or do something to calm a tense situation between people
Compounds
- Literature
Large companies in the oil industry that have much money and political power
- Offensive
A person who tricks people by offering fake medicines or useless products
A pale yellow oil from castor seeds that people use to treat constipation and to make paints and varnishes
A clear oily liquid made from oil under the ground used on skin, machines, or to treat constipation
- Specialized
A machine that moves oil to engine parts to cool them and make them move smoothly
A strong oil from the peppermint plant used to add flavour and help with digestion
A group of countries or companies that work together to control oil production and prices
An oil with a strong smell from eucalyptus leaves that eases colds and helps clean things
- Specialized
An oil from a small plant that smells strong and flavors foods and soothes pain
- Specialized
Oil that easily evaporates and gives a plant's smell or taste, often used in perfumes and flavorings
Oil from the livers of cod and similar fish that people take to get vitamins A and D
- Specialized
An oil from plants or animals that does not evaporate and is used in cooking, cosmetics and medicine
How Lubricated
Surface Forms
Etymology
Oil as a verb comes from the noun oil, itself from Latin oleum and Greek elaion meaning 'olive'. People long ago put olive oil on skin, tools, or machines to bless them or make them move smoothly, so to 'oil' something is to put oil on it to help, protect, or lubricate it.