diesel-electric

adjective

die·​sel-elec·​tric ˈdē-zəl- i-ˈlek-trik 

-səl-, 

-ē-ˈlek-

: of, relating to, or employing a diesel engine for driving an electric generator or for charging batteries

a diesel-electric locomotive

diesel-electric submarines

Examples of diesel-electric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To top it off, the X-Shinobi yachts are equipped with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion systems, ensuring a quiet and fume-free cruising experience for guests while helping to reduce the environmental impact of marine tourism. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 May 2026

Dedicated to providing the best rider experience and maintaining the system’s integrity, Tri-Rail has ordered seven advanced Charger diesel-electric locomotives from Siemens Mobility. —Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2026

Naval engineers solved this challenge more than a century ago by separating power generation from underwater propulsion, creating the modern diesel-electric submarine system that remains widely used today. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026

The yacht boasts a diesel-electric propulsion system paired with battery storage that allows for extended periods of silent, emission-free operation. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for diesel-electric

• bioelectric
• ferroelectric
• hydroelectric
• isoelectric
• photoelectric
• pyroelectric
• thermoelectric
• dielectric
• electric
• nonelectric
• piezoelectric