WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
lu•bri•cate /ˈlubrɪˌkeɪt/USA pronunciation
v. [~ + object], -cat•ed, -cat•ing.
lu•bri•ca•tor, n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Mechanical Engineeringto apply an oily or greasy substance to (something) in order to reduce friction; make slippery:lubricated the gears.
- to cause to run smoother;
ease:to lubricate relations between enemies. - Slang Termsto provide with liquor:They lubricated their guests with gin.
lu•bri•ca•tor, n. [countable]
lu•bri•cate
(lo̅o̅′bri kāt′),USA pronunciation v., -cat•ed, -cat•ing.
v.t.
v.i.
lu′bri•ca′tion, n.
lu′bri•ca′tion•al, adj.
lu′bri•ca′tive, adj.
lu•bri•ca•to•ry
(lo̅o̅′bri kə tôr′ē, -tōr′ē),USA pronunciation adj.
v.t.
- to apply some oily or greasy substance to (a machine, parts of a mechanism, etc.) in order to diminish friction; oil or grease (something).
- to make slippery or smooth;
apply a lubricant to:to lubricate one's hands with a lotion. - to smooth over, as a difficulty or human relationship;
ease:to lubricate the friction between enemies. - Slang Termsto provide with intoxicating drinks.
- Slang Termsto bribe.
v.i.
- to act as a lubricant.
- to apply a lubricant to something.
- Slang Termsto drink or become drunk.
- Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre to make slippery. See lubric, -ate1
- 1615–25
lu′bri•ca′tion•al, adj.
lu′bri•ca′tive, adj.