crude oil

noun

1. petroleum as it comes from the ground, before refining.

crude oil

noun

1. petroleum before it has been refined

crude oil

1. Unrefined petroleum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crude oil¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

With a population of around 800,000, Guyana now has one of the highest levels of proven crude oil reserves per capita in the world - and is one of the region's fastest-growing economies.

From BBC

Last year, China purchased a record of more than 100 million tonnes of Russian crude oil, which accounted for almost 20% of its total energy imports.

From BBC

China and Russia are the biggest buyers of Russian crude oil, attracting criticism from the West that they are propping up the Russian economy which has been battered by the war effort.

From BBC

The refinery, owned by Petroineos, ceased processing crude oil in April, leading to the direct loss of about 400 jobs and many others in the supply chain.

From BBC

The discovery could play a major role in BP's plans to increase crude oil production.

From BBC

Related Words

• crude 
• oil 
• petrol 
• petroleum