oil spill

American  

noun

• oil spills
  plural

1. an accidental release of oil into a body of water, as from a tanker, offshore drilling rig, or underwater pipeline, often presenting a hazard to marine life and the environment.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• oil spills
  plural

Etymology

Origin of oil spill

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oil spill

The vessels were carrying oil and liquefied natural gas, raising the risk of an explosion, a collision or an oil spill.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

BBC Verify has also analysed satellite imagery suggesting the oil spill originated from an attack on a vessel in Omani waters on 3 August.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

Such oversight can include ensuring that companies have oil spill plans in place, or that they perform restoration efforts after development.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026

"This the first time anyone has conceived using fire whirls for oil spill remediation, and it's really just the beginning," said Oran, professor of aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 5, 2026

A giant oil spill off Santa Barbara blackened California’s coastline.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan