ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grease

n. · v.
US //ˈɡɹis// UK //ɡɹˈiːs// grease
  1. 1 oil or fat (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a thick, oily substance, often from animal fat or used to lubricate machines.

    any thick, oily, or fatty matter, particularly animal fat in a soft state or petroleum-based lubricants.

    Example

    The mechanic wiped the black grease off his hands with a rag.

    Example

    The industrial machinery required a specific type of high-temperature grease to prevent the gears from seizing during prolonged operation.
  2. 2 to lubricate (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to put oil or fat on something so it moves easily or doesn't stick.

    to apply grease or fat to a surface, typically to reduce friction or to prepare a surface for cooking.

    Example

    You should grease the baking tin before you pour in the cake mix.

    Example

    The technician had to grease the hinges of the heavy hangar doors to ensure they opened silently during the night shift.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 to bribe (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to give someone money secretly so they will help you.

    to bribe someone in order to facilitate a desired outcome; often used in the phrase 'grease someone's palm'.

    Example

    He had to grease a few palms to get the building permit approved quickly.

    Example

    The investigation revealed that the contractor had been greasing the palms of local officials for years to secure lucrative government tenders.
  2. 4 smooth landing (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Technical Science

    to land an airplane very smoothly.

    to perform an exceptionally smooth landing, where the transition from flight to ground contact is barely perceptible.

    Example

    The pilot managed to grease the landing despite the strong crosswinds.

    Example

    Even with the gusty conditions at the airport, the captain managed to grease the landing, much to the relief of the nervous passengers.

    Usage

    Commonly used by pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
    • smooth landing
  3. 5 to kill (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Vulgar

    to kill someone.

    to murder or assassinate someone.

    Example

    In the movie, the mobster threatened to grease anyone who talked to the police.

    Example

    The gritty crime novel depicted a world where rivals were greased over the slightest perceived insult to a gang leader's reputation.
Origin

From Middle English grece, from Anglo-Norman grece, from Vulgar Latin *grassia, noun derived from Latin crassus (“fat, thick”). Doublet of crass.

Word family
Idioms7 entries

© 2026 English Reference