fossil fuel

noun

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

Examples of fossil fuel in a Sentence

oil and other fossil fuels
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a blow to the clean-energy transition, the war had underscored the continued importance of fossil fuels and furnished producers with record profits. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 July 2025 This legislation fundamentally reorients U.S. energy policy, shifting federal support from renewable energy initiatives toward fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 14 July 2025 As others move to renewable technology, one of the few ways that the U.S. promotes decarbonization will be anchored in fossil fuels. Justin Worland, Time, 11 July 2025 For the past few decades, that term has mainly referred to the security of fossil fuel supply chains. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fossil fuel

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fossil fuel was in 1759

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Cite this Entry

“Fossil fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fossil%20fuel. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fossil fuel

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fossil fuel

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