oil well

noun

: a well from which petroleum is obtained

Examples of oil well 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.
Since prolonged production halts can cause permanent damage to oil wells, shutting them down is typically a last resort. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 June 2026 When oil wells are shut in, the pressure underground can become imbalanced, deforming the underlying structure. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 June 2026 The extended closure of oil wells may have caused reservoir damage, Galimberti says, which could reduce production capacity even after facilities reopen. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 19 June 2026 Unlike the massive data centers built by the hyperscalers, Armada's data centers can attach to existing energy sources, such as solar power and gas flares produced by oil wells, and can be deployed within days rather than years. — Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for oil well

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oil well was in 1847

Rhymes for oil well

See All Rhymes for oil well

Browse Nearby Words

oilway
oil well
oily
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

oil well

noun
: a well from which petroleum is obtained

More from Merriam-Webster on oil well

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oil well

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