diesel

noun

die·​sel ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce diesel (audio)
-səl
1
2
: a vehicle driven by a diesel engine
3

Examples of diesel in a Sentence

Does your car take diesel or gasoline?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That external power has been cut multiple times in the war, forcing the plant to rely on diesel generators on site. Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025 The pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia reported that gas stations in several regions have begun to ration gasoline and diesel, allowing each customer to buy only a limited amount. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025 The boat combines electric and diesel power to offer energy efficiency and backup power generation for extended endurance, guaranteeing reliable performance in even the most demanding maritime environments. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025 The Balboa Island Ferry has also made its fair share of news in recent years, with pressure to update the ferries from diesel to electric engines to help meet zero-emissions standards. Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diesel

Word History

Etymology

Rudolf Diesel

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diesel was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Diesel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diesel. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

diesel

noun
die·​sel ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce diesel (audio)
-səl
1
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 How to pronounce Diesel (audio)
-səl
Rudolf 1858–1913 German mechanical engineer

More from Merriam-Webster on diesel

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