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oil derrick

American  

noun

  1. derrick.


Etymology

Origin of oil derrick

First recorded in 1860–65

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.

A giant wooden oil derrick serves as a central landmark in Taft, which finances its schools, fire department and police force with oil revenues.

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

For Anderson’s 2007 mad epic, he walked ranches around Marfa, Texas, before deciding on the knoll where the 90-foot oil derrick would go.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2024

Perhaps a rotting oil derrick, it could well be at the bottom of a poisoned sea.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2023

It characterizes the wildcatter and oil derrick as "Texas icons."

From Salon • Sep. 27, 2022

About midday I saw in the distance what I first thought was an oil derrick.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos

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