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 technology keeps the existing diesel engine at the center of the vessel’s operation. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 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

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

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