biofuel

noun

bio·​fu·​el ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ˈfyü(-ə)l 

: a fuel (such as wood or ethanol) composed of or produced from biological raw materials compare fossil fuel

Did you know?

Since the early 19th century, "fossil fuel" has been used to refer to fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas which are formed from the remains of plants and animals which have lain in the earth for millions of years. In the 1970s, a new word, "biofuel," began to be used to describe a different kind of fuel, one taken from more contemporary organic matter. These fuels include ethanol, which can be derived from such products as corn and sugarcane, and biodiesel, which can be formed from vegetable oils. These organic sources are reflected in the prefix, bio-, meaning "life" or "living organisms or tissue." The prefix bio- was borrowed from the Greek bios, meaning "mode of life."

Examples of biofuel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ferrari’s top boss also said the company has tested out biofuels in its engine. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026

Perhaps Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources’s technology that turns wet coffee grounds into biofuel comparable to anthracite charcoal can help in the fuel aspect. — New Atlas, 27 July 2026

India is also expanding biofuels to strengthen energy security and reduce emissions. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

It is fully owned by TotalEnergies, a global energy company operating across oil, natural gas, renewables, electricity, and biofuels. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for biofuel

• cruel
• dual
• duel
• fuel
• gruel
• jewel
• newel
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• contextual

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