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

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

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025

The Japanese identified the warships as the PLA Navy’s Guiyang and Qiqihar, along with the fleet oiler Taihu, spotted Friday near Rebun island near Hokkaido.

From Washington Times • May 10, 2023

It is accompanied by the Luyang-class Type 052D destroyer Chengdu and the Type 903 oiler Dongpinghu, the paper said, citing Japan’s Defense Ministry.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 15, 2022

These were oiler, flatter and a great deal chewier.

From The Guardian • May 13, 2020

“Your Royal Highness—” “Do you oiler me freedom?”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• gusher
• oil rig
• oilfield