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

That’s a big part of why diesel futures are up 20% over the past three weeks — and why gas and diesel prices could remain high for quite a bit longer than anyone would like, even as oil starts flowing again. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

An aerial view of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition airstrip showed that all tents, diesel generators, and trailers had been removed. — Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Ukraine’s ongoing string of drone attacks on refineries in Russia has slashed the latter’s refining capacity by 30% and forced Moscow to ban diesel exports. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 14 July 2026

The setup combines traditional diesel generators with electric propulsion to ensure reliable and efficient cruising while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 July 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

• 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