high-octane

adjective

high-oc·​tane ˈhī-ˈäk-ˌtān 

1

: having a high octane number and hence good antiknock properties

high-octane gasoline

2

: very powerful, strong, or effective

high-octane football

high-octane coffee

Examples of high-octane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Argentina’s run to the final has been perhaps the most high-octane sequence of knockout games in football history. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Waugh, 55, is no stranger to high-octane action thrillers, having inherited the Expendables franchise by directing its fourth installment in 2023. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

The Blues have attempted to turn their high-octane attack into shot attempts, but the world-class Spain back line has stood firm when approached by France’s deadly trio of attackers. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Turns out, the surprise performance by Beyoncé was only the start of a high-octane evening. — Caché McClay, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for high-octane

• isooctane
• octane

Kids Definition

high-octane

adjective

: having a high octane number and therefore good antiknock properties

high-octane gasoline