black gold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Journalistic / Economic / Figurative
Quick answer
What does “black gold” mean?
A metaphorical term for oil (petroleum), referring to its great economic value and black color.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A metaphorical term for oil (petroleum), referring to its great economic value and black color.
A metaphorical term for any natural resource of immense economic value that is extracted from the earth, such as coal or high-value crops like truffles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is equally common in both varieties, primarily in economic and political commentary.
Connotations
Strongly associated with the 20th-century oil economy. Can have slightly negative connotations (e.g., environmental damage, resource curse).
Frequency
Medium frequency in relevant contexts (economics, energy, geopolitics). Low frequency in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “black gold” in a Sentence
[Region/Country]'s black goldthe black gold of [region]black gold is [verb: e.g., flowing, discovered]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black gold” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The black-gold rush transformed the region.
- A black-gold tycoon.
American English
- The black-gold boom reshaped the state's economy.
- Black-gold wealth.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports on energy markets, investments, and commodity trading.
Academic
Used in geopolitical, historical, or economic studies of resource extraction.
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in news headlines or documentaries.
Technical
Not used in precise engineering contexts; 'crude oil' or 'petroleum' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “black gold”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “black gold”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black gold”
- Using it to refer to actual black-coloured gold jewelry.
- Using it in technical specifications where the precise term 'crude oil' is required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but it can be extended metaphorically to other high-value extracted resources like coal or certain rare minerals, depending on context.
No, it is a figurative/journalistic term. Formal reports and scientific papers use 'crude oil' or 'petroleum'.
Yes, hyphenated forms like 'black-gold boom' or 'black-gold wealth' are common in journalism.
In an energy context, terms like 'green energy' or 'renewables' are conceptual opposites, implying sustainable versus fossil fuel wealth.
A metaphorical term for oil (petroleum), referring to its great economic value and black color.
Black gold: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈɡəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈɡoʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Something] is the new black gold (e.g., "Data is the new black gold")”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of pirates seeking gold, but instead of a treasure chest, they find a pool of black, valuable oil.
Conceptual Metaphor
A VALUABLE MINERAL RESOURCE IS A PRECIOUS METAL (specifically gold).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'black gold' be LEAST appropriate?