refinery

noun

re·​fin·​ery ri-ˈfī-nə-rē 

-ˈfīn-rē

plural refineries

: a building and equipment for refining or processing something (such as oil or sugar)

Examples of refinery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Friday that Ukraine attacked four Russian oil refineries overnight, but air defenses fended off the attacks. — Hanna Arhirova, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

Another frequent step state officials take to help lower fuel costs is allowing refineries to switch to cheaper winter-blend fuel earlier than usual. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

The Boilermakers union is also backing Husted, citing his support for union jobs in power plants, refineries and shipbuilding. — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

The world is facing a fuel supply crisis due to Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries and disruptions in the Middle East from the Iran war. — Sam Meredith,spencer Kimball, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for refinery

• binary
• finery
• winery

Kids Definition

refinery

noun

re·​fin·​ery ri-ˈfīn-(ə-)rē 

plural refineries

: a building and equipment for refining metals, oil, or sugar