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

But hydrogen is only as clean as its source, and the vast majority is currently produced from fossil fuels. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

However, despite this impressive growth, renewables are primarily adding to energy supply rather than displacing fossil fuels, as overall global energy demand is increasing even faster. — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Prematurely extending the life of costly fossil fuel power generation in response to rising costs in a market undergoing reforms may straddle Illinois customers with more costs than otherwise necessary. — Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Disruptions to oil and gas exports have highlighted just how reliant Gulf economies still are on fossil fuel revenues, and the importance of renewable energy to reduce this dependency. — Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 7 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