fossil fuel

noun

: a fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) formed in the earth from plant or animal remains

fossil-fueled

ˈfä-səl-ˌfyü(-ə)ld 

adjective

Examples of fossil fuel in a Sentence

oil and other fossil fuels

Recent Examples on the Web

These arguments haven’t gained much traction in our heavily Democratic state, which has moved forcefully away from fossil fuels and toward renewable sources in recent years and which has little interest in increasing drilling. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

According to the United Nations, nearly 40% of climate-warming gases come from fossil fuels used to heat, cool, light, and power our homes and offices. — Molly McCrea, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Oman is also a likely beneficiary of the Hormuz disruption, with separate pipeline plans for its ports to safely ferry fossil fuels trapped in the Gulf. — semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026

So that’s like roughly a third of emissions from fossil fuels. — Quanta Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fossil fuel

• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual
• nonrenewal
• nonsexual
• unusual
• cruel
• dual
• duel

Kids Definition

fossil fuel

noun

: a fuel (as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from plant or animal remains