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

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Etymology

Origin of oil spill

First recorded in 1965–70

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oil spill

One of the most important elements from Friday’s release was the intention to settle the remaining liabilities from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in full, which is equivalent to around $5 billion post-tax, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 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

The accident, the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history, killed 11 workers, claimed the lives of thousands of marine animals, and caused widespread damage to ocean ecosystems.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 5, 2026

Cockroaches poured from under the door, spreading over the floor like an oil spill.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

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