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

It’s banned in some regions during the summer due to air emission regulations that the biofuels industry says are outdated. —Donnelle Eller, Des Moines Register, 13 Feb. 2026

Instead of relying on traditional fossil fuels, the system runs on vegetable oil biofuel, a low-emission alternative that school officials say could be scaled across the city. —Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026

Precision agriculture technologies and equipment designed to optimize biofuel feedstock production are improving soil health and increasing yields — all of which support the renewable fuels ecosystem. —Kip Eideberg, Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2026

The plant is grown to make biofuel, fabrics and paper bag alternatives. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for biofuel

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

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