internal combustion engine

noun

: a heat engine in which the combustion that generates the heat takes place inside the engine proper instead of in a furnace

Examples of internal combustion engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
EREVs combine motors, a battery pack and generator that work together with an internal combustion engine to maximize efficiency. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025 Unhealthy ozone levels form when pollutants from factories, cars or any sort of internal combustion engine react with the sun. Jack Albright, jsonline.com, 6 Aug. 2025 Instead, Gen 4 will be a race car that doesn't have to apologize for not having an internal combustion engine. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025 The wealthy Nordic country, which is known for its massive oil and gas reserves in the North Sea, has long been blazing a trail in the transition away from internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for internal combustion engine

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of internal combustion engine was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Internal combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internal%20combustion%20engine. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

internal combustion engine

noun
: an engine in which the fuel is ignited within the engine cylinder instead of in an external furnace
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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