fuel

1 of 2

noun

fu·​el ˈfyü(-ə)l 

often attributive

1

a

: a material used to produce heat or power by burning

b

: nutritive material

c

: a material from which atomic energy can be liberated especially in a reactor

2

: a source of sustenance or incentive : reinforcement

fuel

2 of 2

verb

fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling

transitive verb

1

: to provide with fuel

2

: support, stimulate

… movement is fueled by massive grants-in-aid …

—Allen Schick

intransitive verb

: to take in fuel

—often used with up

Synonyms of fuel

Noun

• energy
• power

Examples of fuel in a Sentence

Noun

I had the fuel pump replaced on my car.

These latest scandals will provide further fuel for his political opponents.

These latest accusations will only add fuel to the controversy.

The controversy continues to rage, and these latest accusations will only add fuel to the fire.

Verb

The airplanes were fueled in midair.

The criticism she has faced has only fueled her determination to succeed.

Inflation was fueled by high prices.

The strong economy has fueled the construction of new homes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Despite being a major producer and exporter of crude oil, Brazil still relies on imports to meet its domestic demand for refined fuels. —ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026

Congress could suspend the federal excise tax on fuel. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026

Verb

The situation has fueled broader conversations about event marketing, consumer expectations and accountability when large-scale fan experiences do not match their promotional claims. —Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

Elevated oil prices are fueling both inflation concerns and recessionary fears, thereby clouding the outlook for monetary policy trajectories. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English fewel, from Anglo-French fuail, feuaile, from Vulgar Latin *focalia, from Latin focus hearth

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1593, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing fuel

• alternative fuel
• diesel fuel
• flex-fuel
• fossil fuel
• fuel cell
• fuel economy
• fuel injection
• fuel oil
• fuel up

Rhymes for fuel

• cruel
• dual
• duel
• gruel
• jewel
• newel
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual

Kids Definition

fuel

1 of 2 noun

fu·​el ˈfyü(-ə)l 

1

a

: a material used to produce heat or power by burning

b

: a material from which atomic energy can be produced especially in a reactor

2

: a source of energy

fuel

2 of 2 verb

fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling

: to supply with or take in fuel