diesel

noun

die·​sel ˈdē-zəl 

-səl

1

: diesel engine

2

: a vehicle driven by a diesel engine

3

: diesel fuel

Examples of diesel in a Sentence

Does your car take diesel or gasoline?

Recent Examples on the Web

Hormuz is the chokepoint for bulk of the Persian Gulf’s exports of crude, and also refined fuels like diesel and jet fuel. —Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026

Some—li​ke gasoline, diesel, and kerosene—ar​e fuels. —Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026

The cabin space invites campers in not solely by the restful promise of its near-queen-size 198 x 148-cm (78 x 58-in) double bed or the warmth of its diesel heating system, but also by the full entertainment center on the rear wall. —New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2026

This is Princess Cruises’ first ship to be powered by liquified natural gas, an alternative fuel that burns cleaner than diesel and reduces harmful emissions. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Rudolf Diesel

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diesel

• diesel-electric
• diesel engine
• diesel fuel

Rhymes for diesel

• biodiesel
• pedicel

Kids Definition

diesel

noun

die·​sel ˈdē-zəl 

-səl

1

: diesel engine

2

: a vehicle (as a truck or train) driven by a diesel engine

3

: a fuel designed for use in diesel engines

Etymology

named for Rudolf Diesel 1858–1913 German engineer

Biographical Definition

Diesel

biographical name

Die·​sel ˈdē-zəl 

-səl

Rudolf 1858–1913 German mechanical engineer