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

See Examples For:

shale oil

In Argentina’s Vaca Muerta region, shale oil production has grown sixfold since 2020.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 2, 2026

U.S. shale oil such as West Texas Intermediate yields large amounts of gasoline but relatively little diesel, while heavier grades generate more distillates.

From Barron's ● Mar. 9, 2026

Harold Hamm, the founder and chairman of the fracking and shale oil company Continental Resources, whom Trump effusively praised during the session, demurred when Trump asked him if Continental would plunge into the Venezuela market.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 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

Estonia has a   large, relatively modern port and produces more than half of its own energy   needs at highly polluting shale oil power plants.

From The 1993 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency