combustion engine

noun

: an engine that derives its motive force from the energy of combustion

Examples of combustion engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 2024, the company has made clear its traditional customer base just isn’t all that interested in a car that doesn’t come with a snarling combustion engine. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026

The cost savings come from the fact that electric motors have no pistons, spark plugs, or the wear and tear that comes with burning fuel in a combustion engine. — New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026

And like an actual combustion engine, the noise from the Torcal is linked not to the car’s speed, but to the actual work being demanded of its motors. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026

But until now, there’s always been a combustion engine along for the ride. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above