fossil fuel

noun

: a fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) formed in the earth from plant or animal remains

fossil-fueled

ˈfä-səl-ˌfyü(-ə)ld 

adjective

Examples of fossil fuel in a Sentence

oil and other fossil fuels

Recent Examples on the Web

On climate, liberals would offer tax rewards for green energy, support joining climate pacts, and phasing out fossil fuels gradually over decades. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

Initial responses suggest a focus as much on building this resilience as on diversifying away from fossil fuels. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Canadian Wildfire smoke spread across a third of the United States but the bigger impact is that these fires have released roughly three times the amount of carbon dioxide as Canada’s total annual fossil fuel greenhouse emissions. — Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

If a cement plant simply replaces fossil fuels with renewable electricity, its emissions can fall substantially. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fossil fuel

• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual
• nonrenewal
• nonsexual
• unusual
• cruel
• dual
• duel

Kids Definition

fossil fuel

noun

: a fuel (as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from plant or animal remains