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 wasn't ready; the compromises would be too great; diesel engines would always be the default. — Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

While its inboard diesel engine gives it an operational cruising speed of 25 knots (29 mph, 46 km/h) and a range of 650 nautical miles, the craft can sprint up to a maximum speed of 55 knots (63 mph, 102 km/h). — David Szondy july 18, New Atlas, 19 July 2026

The last Big Boy retired in 1962 - they were all replaced by diesel engines. — Jeff Lunden, NPR, 11 July 2026

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

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