mineral oil

noun

: an oil of mineral origin
especially : a refined petroleum oil used especially as a laxative

Examples of mineral 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 lamp contains a mixture of water, mineral oil, dye and colored wax that forms the lava-like blobs. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2026 Apply a generous coat of food-safe mineral oil (or natural oil, like hemp) to the board using a towel. — Staff Author, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026 Occlusives like petrolatum and mineral oil also help seal in moisture. — Carley Millhone, Health, 30 Apr. 2026 Allow the wood to dry completely before applying mineral oil to reseal the surface. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mineral oil

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mineral oil was in 1771

Rhymes for mineral oil

See All Rhymes for mineral oil

Browse Nearby Words

mineraloid
mineral oil
mineral orange
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mineral oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mineral%20oil. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mineral oil

noun
: an oil (as petroleum) of mineral origin
especially : a purified petroleum oil having no color, odor, or taste that is used especially as a laxative

Medical Definition

mineral oil

noun
1
: a liquid product of mineral origin that has the viscosity of an oil
2
: a transparent oily liquid obtained usually by distilling petroleum and used chiefly in medicine for treating constipation and especially formerly as a demulcent and solvent for nose and throat medication

called also liquid petrolatum, white mineral oil

More from Merriam-Webster on mineral oil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mineral oil

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