jet engine

noun

: an engine that produces motion as a result of the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid

specifically : an airplane engine that uses atmospheric oxygen to burn fuel and produces a rearward discharge of heated air and exhaust gases see airplane illustration

Examples of jet engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Powered by four jet engines, the B-2 can carry conventional or nuclear weapons, with intercontinental range and aerial refueling. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026

The jet engine roar has been almost nonstop ever since, much to the frustration and insomnia of Gossett and his neighbors. —Bracey Harris, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026

Brazil has the world’s second-largest reserves of rare earth minerals, used in a wide range of products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, solar panels and jet engines. —ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026

By decoding the core mechanics of turbulent fluctuations, this research offers a new lens through which to view everything from the vast circulation of global oceans to the high-pressure environments inside jet engines. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

jet engine

noun

: an engine that produces motion as a result of the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid

especially : an aircraft engine that uses atmospheric oxygen to burn fuel and produces a rearward discharge of heated air and exhaust gases