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

There are plenty of stout diesel engines designed for construction equipment or marine applications that will fit under the hood of a pickup truck or SUV and, as this build demonstrates, improve performance. — Stephen Edelstein, The Drive, 31 Oct. 2026

Its nuclear reactor gives it enormous endurance without needing to surface or snorkel to operate diesel engines. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Especially the trucks out here, big trucks and all, just full diesel engine revving down the street. — Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

Rated at 27 horsepower (about 20 kW), it's aimed squarely at everyday farm chores like mowing, tilling and hauling – the kind of work that has traditionally meant firing up a diesel engine. — New Atlas, 17 Sep. 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