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 of combustible

• explosive
• combustive
• flammable
• inflammable
• ignitable
• 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

The latest friction and finger-pointing between the two leaders is yet another data point in what has been at times a combustible relationship. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026

Daniil Medvedev is back in the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals after getting the better of Stefanos Tsitsipas in the latest chapter of their combustible longtime rivalry. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

But if quitting is not immediately achievable, moving away from combustible tobacco may reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026

Emerging research shows that more individuals are switching from vaping back to combustible cigarettes, a reversal of a pattern of e-cigarettes being used as a tool to quit. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

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