ENGLISH
REFERENCE

refineries

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ɹɪˈfaɪnɝiz// UK //ɹɪfˈaɪnəɹˌɪz// re·finer·ies

n. large factories where raw materials like oil or sugar are cleaned and changed into useful products. You usually find these in industrial areas near the coast or big cities.

n. industrial facilities where crude substances, such as petroleum or sugar, are processed and purified into marketable products. Plural form of 'refinery'.


SIMPLE

The city has several large oil refineries near the port.

CONTEXTUAL

Global fuel prices often rise when major refineries are closed for maintenance or damaged by storms.

COMPLEX

The transition to renewable energy sources poses a significant challenge to the long-term viability of traditional oil refineries and their associated supply chains.

Synonyms
Usage

The plural form of 'refinery'; the 'y' changes to 'ies' when pluralized.

Pitfall

The refinerys are closed.The refineries are closed.Nouns ending in a consonant plus 'y' must change the 'y' to 'i' before adding 'es' to form the plural.

© 2026 English Reference