oil patch

American  

noun

Slang.

1. an area in which oil is produced.

2. the petroleum industry.

---

Etymology

Origin of oil patch

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Such companies are the early movers in the oil patch, working for Texas wildcatters and national oil companies alike.

From The Wall Street Journal

Private-equity firms focused on the oil patch raised substantial capital during most of the 2010s, bolstered by investor enthusiasm over shale development.

From The Wall Street Journal

For some in the oil patch, it has been a case of, be careful what you wish for.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I took the opportunity to retire,” said Rafael Sandrea, who for decades had run a Caracas-based firm that helped producers analyze reams of data from the oil patch.

From The Wall Street Journal

The industry is testing technologies to evaporate the liquid faster and strip it of salt so it can be reused outside the oil patch.

From The Wall Street Journal