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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The company began as a joint venture between Renault and Geely, and was spun out as a hybrid and combustion engine specialist in 2023. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2026 Horse initially looked like a counterintuitive move when it was spun out from a Geely-Renault joint venture as a hybrid and combustion engine specialist in 2023. New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026 Valdez Streaty said in reference to higher-margin combustion engine and hybrid options, as well as bigger trucks and SUVs that are historically favored by Americans. Julian Torres, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026 Tilman Blasshofer and Timm Reichert Reuters The European Commission will move to scrap plans for an effective ban on new combustion engine cars from 2035, a senior EU lawmaker said on Friday, in what would be a major victory for Germany, which has been pressing to protect its automakers. USA Today, 12 Dec. 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 4 Mar. 2026.

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