oil well

noun

1. a well that yields or has yielded oil.

oil well

noun

1. a boring into the earth or sea bed for the extraction of petroleum

Word History and Origins

Origin of oil well¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

In June the UK Supreme Court ruled in a separate case, involving plans to drill an oil well near London's Gatwick Airport, that both types of emissions should be included in an environmental impact assessment.

From BBC

“If a company is drilling for oil in California, they should be responsible for cleaning and closing that oil well,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Today’s judgement relates to the Horse Hill oil well in Surrey.

From BBC

“When you ask a person what belongs in a community, not a lot of people will say an oil well.”

From Los Angeles Times

But perhaps that oil well is running a little low on reserves, because tech firms are increasingly looking at subscriptions as an alternative offer.

From BBC

Related Words

• gusher
• oil rig
• oilfield