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
The sector's growth shines through in traditional petroleum products, petrochemicals, and renewable energy sources, all of which play a crucial role in strengthening India's energy security and economic development.
—
Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. imported several key commodities from Russia, including crude oil, refined petroleum products, metals like aluminum and palladium, and fertilizer.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Patrick De Haan — head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which, in addition to AAA, also tracks how much gasoline is selling for at the pump — predicted prices will remain well under $4 a gallon throughout the summer.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
China and India buy 70 percent of Russian oil and gas and other petroleum products.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for petroleum
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Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. imported several key commodities from Russia, including crude oil, refined petroleum products, metals like aluminum and palladium, and fertilizer.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Patrick De Haan — head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which, in addition to AAA, also tracks how much gasoline is selling for at the pump — predicted prices will remain well under $4 a gallon throughout the summer.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
China and India buy 70 percent of Russian oil and gas and other petroleum products.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for petroleum
Cite this Entry
“Petroleum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroleum. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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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