oiling

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I learned that oiling the blade prevents humidity from tarnishing the steel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

The high concentration of pine forest in North Gyeongsang province, where the fires are burning, is also "oiling" the blaze, said a forest disaster expert.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2025

If commoners' living standards slip—not relative to the elites, but relative to what they had before—they accept the overtures of the counter-elites and start oiling the axles of their tumbrels.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2023

Six birds that were treated for oiling were released Wednesday along the shoreline and another six are still being cared for, he said, adding they will hopefully be released next week.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2021

To their left, somewhere in the distance, Percy heard rumbling and creaking, like a huge machine needed oiling.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan