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

Sources told the Associated Press that Russia’s improvements on the Shahed drone include decoys meant to divert air defenses, jet engines, cameras, advanced anti-jammers, radio links, AI computing platforms, as well as Starlink capabilities that no longer work in Ukraine. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026

In more traditional jet engines, the incoming air is typically slowed down before mixing with fuel. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026

The plan also pledged to expand production of China’s homegrown passenger jet, the C919, and make breakthroughs in developing its own commercial jet engine. —Ken Moritsugu, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

Now, the pushback against Musk's company continues into Southaven, where xAI opened a mini power plant with gas turbines that produce sounds similar to jet engines. —Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Mar. 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