petrodollars

[pe-troh-dol-erz]

plural noun

1. surplus revenues in dollars accumulated by petroleum-exporting countries, as those of the Middle East, especially when then used for foreign loans or investments.

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrodollars¹

1970–75; petro- ² + dollars ( def. )

Example Sentences

Some projections point to at least around a 10% drop in output by the end of the decade, putting the Kremlin’s economy—and the petrodollars it is built on—in peril.

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Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s oil and gas sector has been targeted by an ever-tightening net of international sanctions designed to curb the flow of petrodollars.

Read more on Seattle Times

Global instability keeps the petrodollars flowing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s the latest move into sports by Middle Eastern funds, whose coffers are bulging with petrodollars and which have been eager to build up soft power by buying into global brands.

Read more on New York Times

Abu Dhabi’s petrodollars have been spent wisely so debt-free City goes to Istanbul for its second Champions League final in three years and fresh from sealing a seventh Premier League title in 12 seasons.

Read more on Seattle Times