diesel engine

noun

: an internal combustion engine in which air is compressed to a temperature sufficiently high to ignite fuel injected into the cylinder where the combustion and expansion actuate a piston

Examples of diesel engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Conventional diesel-electric submarines need atmospheric oxygen to run their diesel engines, while their batteries eventually need to be recharged. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

So, switching to electric from gasoline and diesel engines could cut fuel consumption and urban air pollution. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

As for grunt, the TX450 is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that combines conventional diesel engines with electric motors and batteries. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026

The generating equipment is nearly a thousand natural gas and diesel engines spread across the three buildings. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

diesel engine

noun

: an internal-combustion engine in which air is compressed to make enough heat to ignite the fuel in the cylinder