jet engine

noun

: an engine that produces motion as a result of the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid

specifically : an airplane engine that uses atmospheric oxygen to burn fuel and produces a rearward discharge of heated air and exhaust gases see airplane illustration

Examples of jet engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Melrose Industries Aerospace firm Melrose , which makes jet engine and structure parts for global manufacturers, is a stalwart of the London Stock Exchange. —Jenni Reid, CNBC, 9 July 2025

There are real jet engines in these planes and these things cost $30,000. —David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025

Every commercial jet engine must meet strict regulatory intervals while also fitting around flight schedules, parts inventory and shop capacity. —Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

For example, if Country A must import jet engines or microchips from Country B, Country A might try to hack Country B’s companies to copy that technology and become self-sufficient. —William Akoto, The Conversation, 25 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

jet engine

noun

: an engine that produces motion as a result of the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid

especially : an aircraft engine that uses atmospheric oxygen to burn fuel and produces a rearward discharge of heated air and exhaust gases