shale oil

American  

noun

1. petroleum distilled from oil shale.

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shale oil British  

noun

1. an oil distilled from shales and used as fuel

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Etymology

Origin of shale oil

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The exit is the latest blow to the oil cartel, which has been under pressure since the U.S. became a major shale oil producer.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

After the debut of U.S. shale oil, OPEC’s power to sway markets appeared greatly diminished.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

The end of the China boom coincided with ebbing demand for coal in the U.S., where the shale oil boom produced a surge in natural gas supplies and a steep fall in its prices.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Another host, Harold G. Hamm, the executive chair and founder of Continental Resources, is one of the pioneers of the shale oil boom that turned the United States into the world’s largest crude exporter.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2024

I have established a goal of 1 million barrels of synthetic fuels and shale oil production per day by 1985 together with an incentive program to achieve it.

From State of the Union Address by Ford, Gerald R.