1
2
: a vehicle driven by a diesel engine
3

Examples of diesel in a Sentence

Does your car take diesel or gasoline?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for diesel

Word History

Etymology

Rudolf Diesel

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diesel was in 1894

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diesel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diesel. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

diesel

noun
1
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

Rudolf 1858–1913 German mechanical engineer

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