lubricate
verb (used with object)
to apply some oily or greasy substance to (a machine, parts of a mechanism, etc.) in order to diminish friction; oil or grease (something).
lubricated
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past participleof lubricate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof lubricate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
lubricateverb (used with object)to apply some oily or greasy substance to (a machine, parts of a mechanism, etc.) in order to diminish friction; oil or grease (something).
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.
This slippery coating is essential for keeping the colon lubricated and stool soft.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 19, 2026
Market exuberance over artificial intelligence, lubricated by ample financial liquidity, keeps propelling the stock market to new heights.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 1, 2026
Armies of commentators, reporters and photographers were hauled off to the 49th state expecting a vintage Trump performance, of the sort that has lubricated their industry for an entire decade.
From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2025
“Water projects came to epitomize the pork barrel; they were the oil can that lubricated the nation’s legislative machinery.”
From Slate ● Aug. 28, 2024
Beowulf helpfully lubricated the hinges with a bit of drool; after a “heave, ho!” from Simon and a final twist to the knob, the door creaked open.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
