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

This unusually warm water typically releases heat into the air, spiking global temperatures already climbing due to climate change from burning fossil fuels. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

The one that resonates most with me is the push to end our dependency on fossil fuels and move toward clean energy sources, such as solar and wind. —Denise St. Pierre, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

Predicting the future so far in advance has pitfalls, especially in a world warming due to fossil fuel pollution, but CSU isn’t consulting a Magic 8 Ball. —Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026

The industry front group using AI to undermine clean air rules in the Bay Area, Common Sense Coalition, also has ties to fossil fuel companies. —Mary Nichols, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 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