oilcan

IPA/ˈɔɪlkæn/
IPA/ˈɔɪlkæn/

oilcan — noun

  • oilcansingular
  • oilcansplural

1. a small can that holds oil and lets you put it on moving machine parts through a

1.nounB2
Definition

a small can that holds oil and lets you put it on moving machine parts through a narrow spout.

Example

Gabriel grabbed an oilcan and put oil on the squeaky garage door hinges.

put oil on squeaky hinges

The mechanic kept a brass oilcan beside the old printing press.

Common collocations
  • fill an oilcan
  • small metal oilcan
  • oilcan spout
  • use an oilcan on hinges
  • use an oilcan on a chain
Synonyms
  • oiler

    common in workshop language and can also mean an automatic oiling device

  • oil bottle

    broader term for any bottle that holds oil, not always one with a spout

  • lubricant can

    functional label that sounds more technical and less everyday

Grammar Patterns

fill an oilcan

use an oilcan to oil + machine part

Usage Note

Usually refers to the small hand tool with a long spout, not to a large container kept for storing engine oil.

Common Mistakes

We stored all the engine oil in an oilcan.
We stored the engine oil in a container and used an oilcan to apply it.
an oilcan usually means the small hand tool for putting oil onto parts, not the main storage container.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Oilcan usually means the small hand container used to put oil onto moving parts, often through a long spout. Oiler is close, but it sounds more like workshop language and can also mean a device that oils a machine automatically. Oil bottle is broader and may simply describe any bottle that holds oil, even if it is not designed for careful application. Grease gun belongs to a different job because it pushes out thick grease rather than thin oil. If you are talking about adding a few drops to a hinge, chain, or bearing, oilcan is the clearest word. You might say, 'Pass me the oilcan for the sewing machine,' but 'Use the grease gun on the axle.'

oiler ↗oil bottlegrease gun

Common collocations

Nouns

  • oilcan spout
  • oilcan nozzle
  • oilcan handle

Phrases

  • fill an oilcan
  • use an oilcan
  • carry an oilcan

Prepositions

  • with an oilcan
  • from an oilcan

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishOld EnglishModern English

Oilcan is a straightforward English compound joining oil and can. Oil came into English through Old French from Latin oleum, while can is an old English word for a vessel or container. When hand tools for lubricating machines became common, speakers combined the two parts to name the small container used to drip oil onto moving parts.