noun
Uncommon
grease
grees
Grease (noun) means Melted or soft animal fat, or any thick oily substance used for lubrication. Example: “She wiped the grease off the pan before washing it.”
noun
1
Melted or soft animal fat, or any thick oily substance used for lubrication.
"She wiped the grease off the pan before washing it."
"The mechanic covered his hands in grease working on the engine."
"A pool of grease collected at the bottom of the roasting tray."
verb
1
To coat something with grease or fat, often to make it slide or work more smoothly.
"Grease the tin before pouring in the cake mixture."
"He greased the hinges so the door would stop squeaking."
"Remember to grease the baking sheet so the biscuits do not stick."
2
(informal) To bribe someone, especially to get quicker or preferential treatment.
"They greased the official's palm to speed up the paperwork."
"He tried to grease the guard with a few notes to let him in."
"Some businesses greased local officials to get their permits approved quickly."
How to use grease
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thick, oily, fatty substance, or the act of coating something with it — often used loosely for bribery too.
Common mistake
"Grease someone's palm" is an idiom for bribery, not literal hand cream.
Common pairings
cooking grease
grease the wheels
grease a pan
elbow grease
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Word forms
- Plural
- greases
- Third person singular
- greases
- Past tense
- greased
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wiped the _____ off the pan before washing it.
Etymology
From Old French craisse/craisse ("fatness"), ultimately from Latin crassus, "thick" or "fat" — the same root that gives English the word crass.
Related words
Rhymes for grease
See all rhymes for grease →Frequently asked questions
What does “grease” mean?
The word “grease” means melted or soft animal fat, or any thick oily substance used for lubrication. In plain terms, a thick, oily, fatty substance, or the act of coating something with it — often used loosely for bribery too.
How do you pronounce “grease”?
“Grease” is pronounced grees (/ɡɹis/ in IPA).
How do you use “grease” in a sentence?
Here is “grease” used in a sentence: “She wiped the grease off the pan before washing it.”
What part of speech is “grease”?
Depending on how it is used, “grease” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grease” come from?
The word “grease” comes from Latin. From Old French craisse/craisse ("fatness"), ultimately from Latin crassus, "thick" or "fat" — the same root that gives English the word crass.
Is “grease” a common word?
“Grease” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “grease” have?
“Grease” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: melted or soft animal fat, or any thick oily substance used for lubrication.
What is the difference between grease and oil?
Grease is typically a thicker, semi-solid substance, often derived from animal fat or made by combining oil with a thickening agent, while oil is a thinner liquid lubricant. Grease tends to stay in place better on moving parts, whereas oil flows more easily and is used where continuous lubrication is needed.
What does it mean to "grease" someone in informal speech?
Informally, to "grease" someone means to bribe them, especially to secure quicker service or preferential treatment, as in the phrase "grease someone's palm." This figurative use extends from the literal idea of grease making things move more smoothly.
Is "grease the wheels" a formal or informal expression?
"Grease the wheels" is an informal idiom meaning to make a process go more smoothly, often by resolving obstacles or offering incentives. It would generally be avoided in strictly formal writing in favor of more direct language.
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