: a fissile rock that is formed by the consolidation of clay, mud, or silt, has a finely stratified or laminated structure, and is composed of minerals essentially unaltered since deposition
Examples of shale in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ironically, the studies revealed that wet clay shale rocks along the Darién route meant nuclear explosives might not work well there.
—
The Conversation, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Ironically, the studies revealed that wet clay shale rocks along the Darién route meant nuclear explosives might not work well there.
—Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Since its nationalization, YPF has accelerated the development of Argentina's vast shale gas reserves in the Vaca Muerta field in Patagonia.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
But oil companies learned hard lessons during the shale boom of the 2010s about the risks of chasing short-term price signals, and more pushback could be coming soon.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shale
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
The Conversation, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Ironically, the studies revealed that wet clay shale rocks along the Darién route meant nuclear explosives might not work well there.
—Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Since its nationalization, YPF has accelerated the development of Argentina's vast shale gas reserves in the Vaca Muerta field in Patagonia.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
But oil companies learned hard lessons during the shale boom of the 2010s about the risks of chasing short-term price signals, and more pushback could be coming soon.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shale
Cite this Entry
“Shale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shale. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
