vegetable oil

noun

: an oil of plant origin
especially : a fatty oil from seeds or fruits

Examples of vegetable oil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Instead of relying on traditional fossil fuels, the system runs on vegetable oil biofuel, a low-emission alternative that school officials say could be scaled across the city. Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 Repeat with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and remaining beef. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026 Instead of greasing and flouring the pan, stir together equal parts flour, shortening, and vegetable oil, then brush this generously on the surface of the pan. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026 Lightly coat the bottom of a large heavy skillet with vegetable oil and heat over medium. Ken Haedrich, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vegetable oil

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vegetable oil was in 1765

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vegetable oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vegetable%20oil. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

vegetable oil

noun
: an oil obtained from plant parts and especially from seeds or fruits

Medical Definition

vegetable oil

noun
: an oil of plant origin
especially : a fatty oil from seeds or fruits

More from Merriam-Webster on vegetable oil

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