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

With natural gas priced prohibitively high, coal capacity constrained, and wind and solar subject to intermittency, where can Europe source stable, dispatchable power that reduces reliance on fossil fuel imports? — CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Lee won his race after portraying Sosnick as a wealthy outsider with investments in fossil fuel companies such as Chevron and Valero. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Data centers gobble up a tremendous amount of energy, most of which still comes from fossil fuels. — Anna Zarra Aldrich, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Governatori added Italy should focus on measures already available to cut energy costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, including electrification, energy efficiency, renewable energy, storage capacity and power-grid upgrades. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 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