internal combustion engine

noun

: a heat engine in which the combustion that generates the heat takes place inside the engine proper instead of in a furnace

Examples of internal 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.
An electric vehicle doesn't have the same start-up process as an internal combustion engine vehicle. Charles Singh, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026 The standard Raybird, which runs on an internal combustion engine (ICE), allows for a flight endurance of over 28 hours, Skyeton explained in a press statement. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 19 Jan. 2026 As the Spectre has started to redefine Rolls-Royce for the electric era, attention has turned to how the storied brand will evolve its Cullinan without an internal combustion engine. Adam Ismail, The Drive, 15 Jan. 2026 This year’s finalists represented a mix of internal combustion engine, hybrid and electric vehicles. Alexa St. John, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for internal combustion engine

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of internal combustion engine was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

internal combustion engine

noun
: an engine in which the fuel is ignited within the engine cylinder instead of in an external furnace
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!