oil slick

American  

noun

1. a smooth area on the surface of water caused by the presence of oil.

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oil slick British  

noun

1. a mass of floating oil covering an area of water, esp oil that has leaked or been discharged from a ship

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Etymology

Origin of oil slick

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Everyone hates regulation—until a plane crashes or an oil slick washes ashore.

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

The Rubymar was an “environmental disaster” even before sinking because the attack created an 18-mile oil slick, Central Command warned last month.

From New York Times • Mar. 3, 2024

Even before plunging to the ocean’s depths, the vessel had been leaking heavy fuel that triggered an 18-mile oil slick through the waterway, which is critical for cargo and energy shipments heading to Europe.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2024

Their urine is black from severe dehydration, like spots of oil slick against the bright snow.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2024

The hapless rowboat circles the pole in the growing whirlpool and the pitch holding together its copper planks abandons it, spilling into the water like an oil slick.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman