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 The group is planning to launch a mix of electric vehicles, internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and hybrid vehicles this year. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 13 Mar. 2024 This will give drivers, and everyone around the car, the sort of audible signature that would usually come from a traditional internal combustion engine. Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 Vision Marine's commitment to eco-friendly electric powerboats is reshaping the recreational boating experience, offering higher speeds, longer ranges, and smoother rides than traditional internal combustion engine boats. Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2024 Our strategy is to have the products that people want, whether that be electric, hybrid or traditional internal combustion engine. Detroit Free Press, 2 Feb. 2024 Anyone who has been paying attention to the EV market has concluded what the main problem is: EVs are still significantly more expensive than equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. James Morris, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Many EVs now can go nearly as far as ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles before needing to refuel. Detroit Free Press, 19 Feb. 2024 The average cost of an electric vehicle is still far greater than a similar internal combustion engine vehicle, and many Connecticut residents will simply be priced out of this transition. Peter Brennan, Hartford Courant, 17 Jan. 2024 Fires remain extremely rare, though, and are less common on average than in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. WIRED, 19 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'internal combustion engine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near 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 28 Mar. 2024.

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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