biodiesel

noun

bio·​die·​sel ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce biodiesel (audio)
-səl
: a fuel that is similar to diesel fuel and is derived from usually vegetable sources (such as soybean oil)

Examples of biodiesel in a Sentence

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.
Most biodiesel producers sell it cheaply to refineries that process it into solketal, a step that involves energy-intensive methods and international shipping, adding to global emissions. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025 In Brazil, methanol commerce is regulated by the government, restricted to industrial uses such as biodiesel production, solvents, and laboratory applications. Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025 Growth in biodiesel production has taken in some of the soybeans that were once exported. Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025 Indiana farmers, who draw a third of their income from exporting agricultural products to foreign countries, have tried to find more domestic uses for soybeans, such as biodiesel and animal feed, over the past decade. Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for biodiesel

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biodiesel was in 1981

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Cite this Entry

“Biodiesel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodiesel. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

biodiesel

noun
bio·​die·​sel -ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce biodiesel (audio)
-səl
: a fuel that is similar to diesel fuel and is usually derived from plants (as soybeans)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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