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

Those are responsible for starting the diesel engines, which can be divorced via a lever that engages and disengages the inboard steering clutches. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 20 Aug. 2026

The hydrogen engine doesn't produce carbon dioxide like a traditional gasoline or diesel engine does. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The Nevada Northern Railway still runs a shorter stint of this line with classic steam and diesel engines. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

Instead, a powerful diesel engine runs at a constant RPM and continually tops up a modest-sized battery, which powers electric axles that spin the wheels. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 16 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