fuel

1 of 2

noun

fu·​el ˈfyü(-ə)l 

often attributive

1

a

: a material used to produce heat or power by burning

b

: nutritive material

c

: a material from which atomic energy can be liberated especially in a reactor

2

: a source of sustenance or incentive : reinforcement

fuel

2 of 2

verb

fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling

transitive verb

1

: to provide with fuel

2

: support, stimulate

movement is fueled by massive grants-in-aid

—Allen Schick

intransitive verb

: to take in fuel

—often used with up

Synonyms

Noun

• energy
• power

Examples of fuel in a Sentence

Noun

I had the fuel pump replaced on my car.

These latest scandals will provide further fuel for his political opponents.

These latest accusations will only add fuel to the controversy.

The controversy continues to rage, and these latest accusations will only add fuel to the fire.

Verb

The airplanes were fueled in midair.

The criticism she has faced has only fueled her determination to succeed.

Inflation was fueled by high prices.

The strong economy has fueled the construction of new homes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In addition, there are approximately $325,000 in annual operating expenses, and a bill for flying, which covers fuel and ground maintenance. —John Kell, Fortune, 24 June 2025

Kia Sorento Hybrid fuel cost The national average gas price at the time of writing is $3.22 a gallon according to AAA.com. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 June 2025

Verb

Mamdani's campaign, conversely, was fueled by grassroots support and endorsements from progressive giants like New York U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and independent Vermont U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. —Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025

Analysts predict the edge computing market will grow from $16.45 billion in 2023 to nearly $156 billion by 2030, fueled by the demand for real-time insights and ultra-low latency systems. —David Henkin, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English fewel, from Anglo-French fuail, feuaile, from Vulgar Latin *focalia, from Latin focus hearth

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1592, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing fuel

• alternative fuel
• diesel fuel
• flex-fuel
• fossil fuel
• fuel cell
• fuel economy
• fuel injection
• fuel oil
• fuel up

Rhymes for fuel

• cruel
• dual
• duel
• gruel
• jewel
• newel
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual

Kids Definition

fuel

1 of 2 noun

fu·​el ˈfyü(-ə)l 

1

a

: a material used to produce heat or power by burning

b

: a material from which atomic energy can be produced especially in a reactor

2

: a source of energy

fuel

2 of 2 verb

fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling

: to supply with or take in fuel