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

The national smog level dropped by 11% from 2003 to 2015 as strict federal regulations on power plants, cars and diesel engines kicked in. — Seth Borenstein, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

However, the turbine consumes significantly more fuel than conventional diesel engines, creating a larger logistical burden during sustained operations. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026

The second album this year from metalcore pioneers Converge is named for a mysterious, pulsing, low-frequency ambient drone, likened by those who hear it to a diesel engine, an idling airplane, or a kind of inescapable torture. — Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026

So, Henrik likes to build, uh, Mercedes diesel engines. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 17 June 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