oiling

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I learned that oiling the blade prevents humidity from tarnishing the steel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

The high concentration of pine forest in North Gyeongsang province, where the fires are burning, is also "oiling" the blaze, said a forest disaster expert.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2025

LeBron James oiling the offense like a 48-oz. can of WD-40.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2023

If commoners' living standards slip—not relative to the elites, but relative to what they had before—they accept the overtures of the counter-elites and start oiling the axles of their tumbrels.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2023

All eyes went to their bodyguard, who had left off tending the roses and was oiling the gate hinges.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart