oil spill

noun

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oil spill¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

He said that if there was a problem or an oil spill, then "we will be the ones that are liable and responsible to take care of the problem, if it comes".

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Ibama denied Petrobras an exploration license in 2023, citing inadequate plans to protect wildlife in case of an oil spill.

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However, in May, Ibama president Rodrigo Agostinho overruled the opinion and allowed Petrobras to go ahead with an oil spill accident response drill that was considered the last step before the license is granted.

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In September, Ibama approved the pre-operational environmental assessment, despite Petrobras failing to demonstrate it can "reliably protect fauna in the event of an oil spill."

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In 2021, an oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach forced a cancellation of the last day of the weekend.

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