shale

noun

ˈshāl How to pronounce shale (audio)
: a fissile rock that is formed by the consolidation of clay, mud, or silt, has a finely stratified or laminated structure, and is composed of minerals essentially unaltered since deposition
shaley adjective
or less commonly shaly
ˈshā-lē How to pronounce shale (audio)

Examples of shale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pushing the gas expansion was the Great Recession in 2008, which slowed electric demand growth, and the boom in shale-gas. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 While not impacting immediate fuel prices, as development will take 7-10 years, the 100-year agreement aims to offset future declines in domestic shale production. — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Overall, Mehta is optimistic about Diamondback's growth and sees more upside in the stock, given higher production estimates, solid productivity and a deepening position in the Barnett shale formation. — Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 To solve this problem, his company, based in Houston, uses a system of underground heaters originally developed for improving flow in heavy oil reservoirs and converting solid organic matter in young shale rock into extractable oil and gas. — IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shale

Word History

Etymology

probably from obsolete or dialect shale scale, shell, from Middle English, from Old English scealu — more at shell

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shale was in 1747

Phrases Containing shale

Rhymes for shale

See All Rhymes for shale

Browse Nearby Words

Shalako
shale
shale clay
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shale. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shale

noun
ˈshā(ə)l How to pronounce shale (audio)
: a rock with a fine grain formed from clay, mud, or silt
shaley
ˈshā-lē How to pronounce shale (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on shale

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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