shale

noun

: a fissile rock that is formed by the consolidation of clay, mud, or silt, has a finely stratified or laminated structure, and is composed of minerals essentially unaltered since deposition
shaley adjective
or less commonly shaly

Examples of shale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Each cell starts as a hole in the ground lined with a clay-like substance made from shale and a sturdy plastic liner. Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024 Things To Do Situated where the churning New River cuts a groove of canyon 1,500 feet deep into slabs of shale and Nuttall sandstone, this is one of those rare gems that allows people to get their nature fix via a wide variety of activities. Emily Pennington, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shale 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shale.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably from obsolete or dialect shale scale, shell, from Middle English, from Old English scealu — more at shell

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shale was in 1747

Dictionary Entries Near shale

Cite this Entry

“Shale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shale. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

shale

noun
: a rock with a fine grain formed from clay, mud, or silt
shaley adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on shale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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