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

See Examples For:

petrodollars

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

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.

From New York Times ● Jun. 23, 2023

Even as the country with the region’s first nuclear power plant tries to position itself as a leader on environmental issues, the hydrocarbon-rich UAE’s economy feeds on petrodollars.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 21, 2021