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
Earlier this month, the president signed several resolutions aimed at dismantling California's efforts to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035.
—
Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
The level of interest in switching to an EV among internal combustion engine drivers in the US was 31%, compared with 34% in 2024, according to the survey.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025
Hybrids—defined as vehicles that are propelled by both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine or other power source (which would include fuel cell EVs)—will pay $100.
—ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025
Electric vehicle fires can be more difficult to put out than internal combustion engine vehicle fires.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for internal combustion engine
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.
Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
The level of interest in switching to an EV among internal combustion engine drivers in the US was 31%, compared with 34% in 2024, according to the survey.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025
Hybrids—defined as vehicles that are propelled by both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine or other power source (which would include fuel cell EVs)—will pay $100.
—ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025
Electric vehicle fires can be more difficult to put out than internal combustion engine vehicle fires.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for internal combustion engine
Cite this Entry
“Internal combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internal%20combustion%20engine. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share