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

Rather than just replace the eight-cylinder with another internal combustion engine, Smith decided to modernize the car and convert it to battery power. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026

This allows the small car to travel further distances than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles while burning less fuel for motion. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Before the invention of the internal combustion engine, perhaps. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026

That’s compared to a scenario in which the city replaces its fleet with internal combustion engine vehicles instead of electric vehicles, according to staff. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

internal combustion engine

noun

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