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.
Retreating Iraqi forces set fire to hundreds of oil wells in Kuwait creating an environmental catastrophe felt throughout the Gulf. — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 Some Gulf oil wells paused production, and at least four Florida school districts canceled classes for later in the week while Okaloosa County announced mandatory evacuations for some coastal areas. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 Some Gulf oil wells paused production, and at least four Florida school districts canceled classes for later in the week. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Members of Ladera Health Watch have looked at the oil well files and are concerned that the Citrus Lane well may not have been resealed to today’s standards. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 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

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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 28 Oct. 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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