petrodollars

American  

[pe-troh-dol-erz] / ˈpɛ troʊˌdɒl ərz /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of petrodollars

1970–75; petro- ² + dollars ( def. )

Example Sentences

This obsession with petrodollars pulls our attention away from something more fundamental: the dollar’s role as the world’s numeraire, the denominating currency against which all or most other prices, contracts, and values are expressed.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

The schools, clinics, the manicured golf course — onetime amenities from an industry awash in petrodollars — gone or overgrown with weeds.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

His massive social and economic development plan, called Vision 2030, aims to brighten Saudi Arabia’s global image, woo international tourists and high-skilled expatriates from the West and wean the kingdom off its reliance on petrodollars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

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.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 8, 2023

A social-climbing stepmother and a doltish Babbitt of a father use the newly minted petrodollars to grease their entry into Dallas nouveau riche society.

From New York Times • Aug. 4, 2020