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.
Environmental advocates question the need for expanding fossil fuel resources a time when greenhouse gases from those fuels are worsening climate change. Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025 This explosive strengthening is happening more often as the world warms due to fossil fuel pollution. Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025 The astronomical energy demand for data centers has raised environmental concerns about AI as tech companies draw more electricity and drive up emissions from fossil fuel generation. Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 But other senior officials defended the decision, arguing that Latin America’s biggest economy needs to shore up its energy independence amid global economic uncertainty, and that Brazil should only transition away from fossil fuels as part of wider international efforts. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fossil fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fossil%20fuel. Accessed 29 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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