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

This idea makes money the core enemy of socialism and of course the core fuel of capitalism. —Clem Chambers, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

Adding fuel to the fire, Nvidia shares also fell in early trading Wednesday following a Bloomberg report that the chipmaker got a subpoena from the Department of Justice related to an antitrust investigation. —Sean Conlon, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2024

Verb

Furthermore, as retailers collect more data to fuel AI and other digital tools, robust data security measures are paramount. —Lindsey Mazza, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

The amount of attention being showered on Californians in the waning weeks of the presidential campaign is due to its outsized role in fueling campaigns of both parties. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024

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

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