diesel engine

noun

: an internal combustion engine in which air is compressed to a temperature sufficiently high to ignite fuel injected into the cylinder where the combustion and expansion actuate a piston

Examples of diesel 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.
Last week, India signed a deal to build the world’s most powerful hydrogen locomotive, converting a diesel engine into 3,100-hp hydrogen power. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026 That van relies on a 148-hp diesel engine and seven-speed automatic transmission. New Atlas, 25 Jan. 2026 Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan commissioned the build, which sits atop an Oshkosh military truck frame and gets its twist from a 15.2-liter Caterpillar C15 diesel engine making 600 horsepower. Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 8 Jan. 2026 During the pandemic, the carriage was fitted with a diesel engine that runs on bio-diesel fuel, marking the fourth phase of construction. Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diesel engine

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diesel engine was in 1894

Cite this Entry

“Diesel engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diesel%20engine. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

diesel engine

noun
: an internal-combustion engine in which air is compressed to make enough heat to ignite the fuel in the cylinder

More from Merriam-Webster on diesel engine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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