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

The train itself is powered by energy-efficient DX-class diesel-electric locomotives, and the carrier maintains strict environmental protocols, including waste minimization and recycling practices on board. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

Velour is powered by a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system comprising four generators (two at 1,000 kW and two at 500 kW). —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 June 2025

The company is a global leader in construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, diesel-electric locomotives and industrial gas turbines. —Peter High, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Caltrans also replaced old equipment with new diesel-electric locomotives, known as the F40. —Shawna Chen, Axios, 15 Aug. 2024

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