petroleum
noun
pe·tro·leum
pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm 
-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
Lydia lived in Houston while Milton, a petroleum engineer, was based in Long Beach, Calif.
—
Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 1 June 2024
Early on, the two had to briefly navigate long distance as Lydia lived in Houston and Milton, a petroleum engineer, was based in Long Beach, Calif.
—Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024
Although petroleum production retains a crucial role in the Saudi economy, the kingdom is putting its chips on other forms of energy.
—Stanley Reed, New York Times, 29 May 2024
However, three petroleum companies — Suncor, Magellan-Dupon and Holly Energy Partners — have cited the requirement in applications to expand their facilities in Adams County.
—Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for petroleum 
Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 1 June 2024
Early on, the two had to briefly navigate long distance as Lydia lived in Houston and Milton, a petroleum engineer, was based in Long Beach, Calif.
—Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024
Although petroleum production retains a crucial role in the Saudi economy, the kingdom is putting its chips on other forms of energy.
—Stanley Reed, New York Times, 29 May 2024
However, three petroleum companies — Suncor, Magellan-Dupon and Holly Energy Partners — have cited the requirement in applications to expand their facilities in Adams County.
—Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for petroleum
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'petroleum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Petroleum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroleum. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
petroleum
noun
pe·tro·leum
pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm
-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
: 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
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