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

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

Earlier strikes in the past two weeks at the Tuapse refinery caused a big oil spill in the sea and residents reported "black" rain falling on the city and leaving an oily residue everywhere.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

The so-called Refugio oil spill of 2015 evoked memories of the Santa Barbara spill of 1969, which turbocharged a nascent environmental movement and helped launch Earth Day as an annual event.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Shipping was at a near-standstill in Belgium's port of Antwerp on Friday following an overnight oil spill, Europe's second-biggest port said as it raced to contain the risks of pollution and economic damage.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

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

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan