crude oil

noun

1. petroleum as it comes from the ground, before refining.

crude oil

noun

1. petroleum before it has been refined

crude oil

/ kro̅o̅d /

1. Unrefined petroleum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crude oil¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well, The Associated Press reported.

From Salon

The justices sounded ready on Tuesday to reconsider that approach in a case involving a proposed 88-mile railroad line in Utah that would allow crude oil to be shipped to refineries on the Gulf Coast.

From Los Angeles Times

Coffee is the world's second most traded commodity by volume, after crude oil, and its popularity is increasing.

From BBC

The United States is a massive trading partner with Canada, receiving nearly all of the country's crude oil exports in 2023.

From Salon

"The cost of raw materials for businesses continued to fall, once again driven by lower crude oil prices," he added.

From BBC

Related Words

• crude
• oil
• petrol
• petroleum