combustion engine

noun

: an engine that derives its motive force from the energy of combustion

Examples of combustion engine 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.
Electric motors are compact and don't need much cooling compared to a combustion engine, and there's no exhaust to worry about. Ars Technica, 25 Feb. 2025 Foreign firms hesitate to invest in U.S. manufacturing due to policy instability and shrinking demand for combustion engine cars. Christopher S. Tang, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2025 Cruise engages the traditional engine and recharges the battery for low-power descent and landing—but the pilot ensures the combustion engine is waiting if the landing is rejected. Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 19 Dec. 2024 Trump’s reluctance to balance EVs and combustion engine vehicles risks the American automotive industry’s future. Christopher S. Tang, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for combustion engine

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of combustion engine was in 1886

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combustion%20engine. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!