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

1. Unrefined petroleum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crude oil¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

U.S. crude oil inventories rose last week amid a rebound in imports, while stocks of gasoline and distillate fuels declined, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S.

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The company said the results reflected higher production volumes and a rise in average crude oil prices to $70.1 a barrel from $66.7 a barrel.

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The country’s dependence on foreign nations for its crude oil—China imports about 70% of the oil it consumes—is a headache.

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U.S. crude oil inventories posted a bigger-than-expected decline last week as imports fell and exports rose, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S.

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The fleet has enabled Moscow to keep exporting its crude oil for much-needed revenue despite curbs on exports since its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

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Related Words

• crude 
• oil 
• petrol 
• petroleum