'oil' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'oile', ultimately from Latin 'oleum' and Greek 'elaion', where the Greek root 'elaio-' referred to 'olive (oil)'.

'oil' developed from Latin 'oleum' into Old French 'oile' (and Anglo-Norman variants), then entered Middle English as 'oile'/'oyle' and eventually became the modern English word 'oil'.

Initially it referred primarily to 'olive oil' or oil from olives, but over time it broadened to mean any fatty or greasy liquid used for lubrication, fuel, or cooking; related verb meanings (to apply oil) developed from this noun sense.