combustible

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

Synonyms

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

Examples of combustible in a Sentence

The fuel is highly combustible.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Keep neighboring tree branches at least 10 feet from the home, and store firewood and other combustible materials as far away as possible. —Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

The flippancy with which these characters are made to bite the dust establishes the film’s combustible tone. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025

But Gil and the Kills were a combustible bunch, and life on the road with a hard-driving band, while exhilarating, was ultimately no place for a little girl. —Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025

And outlaw lovers in a wild and combustible romance! —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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