diesel

noun

die·​sel ˈdē-zəl 

-səl

1

: diesel engine

2

: a vehicle driven by a diesel engine

3

: diesel fuel

Examples of diesel in a Sentence

Does your car take diesel or gasoline?

Recent Examples on the Web

More than 10,000 diesel trucks travel through the area each day, while two high-emissions peaker power plants operate in nearby Port Morris. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026

With gas prices spiking and diesel at record highs, Republicans running in tight races are clearly starting to get worried. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

The development will also include a new, private and Evergy-owned substation to serve the site along with 41 diesel generators in case of power failure. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026

Despite diesel prices hitting a record high this week and home heating oil up 50% in just three months, the state’s fuel distributors warn the problems are far from over. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Rudolf Diesel

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diesel

• diesel-electric
• diesel engine
• diesel fuel

Rhymes for diesel

• pedicel

Kids Definition

diesel

noun

die·​sel ˈdē-zəl 

-səl

1

: diesel engine

2

: a vehicle (as a truck or train) driven by a diesel engine

3

: a fuel designed for use in diesel engines

Etymology

named for Rudolf Diesel 1858–1913 German engineer

Biographical Definition

Diesel

biographical name

Die·​sel ˈdē-zəl 

-səl

Rudolf 1858–1913 German mechanical engineer