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
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Last year, Porsche’s filed patent for a six-stroke engine, hinting at a shift from traditional four-stroke designs, signaling a potential major evolution in combustion engine technology. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025 This baby combines a combustion engine with an electric motor for more spirited performance. New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2025 The modern combustion engine provides another case-in-point. Michael C. Horowitz, Foreign Affairs, 26 Sep. 2025 The story of the European combustion engine monopoly is increasingly becoming a thing of the past. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for combustion engine

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of combustion engine was in 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combustion%20engine. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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