combustible

1 of 2

adjective

com·​bus·​ti·​ble kəm-ˈbə-stə-bəl 

1

: capable of combustion

combustible materials, such as paper, leaves, and sawdust

combustible gases

2

: easily excited

a combustible temper

The coach had to keep the combustible players under control.

combustibility

kəm-ˌbə-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

combustible noun

combustibly

kəm-ˈbə-stə-blē 

adverb

combustibility

2 of 2

noun

com·​bus·​ti·​bil·​i·​ty kəm-ˌbə-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being combustible

Synonyms of combustible

Adjective

• explosive
• combustive
• flammable
• inflammable
• ignitable
• fiery

Examples of combustible in a Sentence

Adjective

The fuel is highly combustible.

don't store oily rags and other combustible materials in a hot attic

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Removing grease buildup will help reduce the amount of combustible material around your cooking area. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 29 Oct. 2026

Alas, Medak also is famous for directing the lamentable Ghost in the Noonday Sun (1974), a comedy about bumbling 17th century pirates that starred the combustible Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026

The five-bedroom house, developed by Tim McElwee and conceived seven years ago, is classified as Type 1 structure due to its use of non-combustible materials. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2026

The political situation in Israel adds a combustible variable. — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin combustibilis, from Latin combustus (past participle of combūrere "to destroy with fire, combust") + -ibilis -ible

Noun

Middle English combustebyllyte, from Middle French combustible + Middle English -ite -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for combustible

• adjustable
• incombustible
• noncombustible

Kids Definition

combustible

adjective

com·​bus·​ti·​ble kəm-ˈbəs-tə-bəl 

1

: capable of being burned

2

: catching fire or burning easily

combustibility

-ˌbəs-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

combustible noun

Medical Definition

combustible

adjective

com·​bus·​ti·​ble kəm-ˈbəs-tə-bəl 

: capable of combustion

combustible anesthetics