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Definition of oilskin

oilskin

/ˈɔɪl.skɪn/
oil · skin
Plural:oilskins
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oilskin Lexical Profile

oilskin Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A waterproof garment or set of foul-weather clothing (usually in the plural, "oilskins") made from oil-treated fabric, traditionally worn by sailors and fishermen.

Example

"The fishermen pulled on their yellow oilskins before heading out into the stormy North Sea."

2

A heavy cotton fabric treated with oil or pigment to make it waterproof.

Example

"The antique trunk was lined with durable oilskin to keep moisture away from the maps."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for oilskin

• Nearby Words

oilman
oilpan
oilproof
oilskin
oily
oink
ointment

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 18th century as a compound of "oil" and "skin," referring to cotton or linen cloth treated with boiled linseed oil to create a durable, skin-like waterproof coating for sailors.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oilskin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oilskin
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