oiler

American  

[oi-ler] / ˈɔɪ lər /

noun

1. a person or thing that oils.

2. a worker employed to oil machinery.

3. any of several devices, other than pressure devices, for feeding lubricating oil to a bearing.

4. an oilcan.

5. Often oilers. an oilskin garment, especially a coat.

6. a ship using oil as fuel.

7. oil tanker.

8. an oil well.

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oiler British  

/ ˈɔɪlə /

noun

1. a person, device, etc, that lubricates or supplies oil

2. an oil tanker

3. an oil well

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Etymology

Origin of oiler

First recorded in 1545–55; oil + -er ¹

Example Sentences

But there was a beauty in the idea of having the names of civil rights heroes adorn ships in the so-called John Lewis class, oilers named after the late congressman.

From Los Angeles Times

The memo calls for Navy Secretary John Phelan to select a new name for the fleet oiler.

From BBC

Washington’s shop classes and technical programs can be a pipeline to recruit promising oilers and engineers.

From Seattle Times

In April 1908, a defective steam pipe burst at the plant, hurling two Georges — George Tucker, chief engineer, and George Love, oiler — 25 feet to the concrete floor below.

From Seattle Times

As of last month, the ferry system was still short 35 captains and mates, 44 deck staff, 15 engineers and eight oilers, according to the restoration plan.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• gusher
• oil rig
• oilfield