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

For instance, China has never mastered the ultra-precise manufacturing required for commercial jet engines or the highest-performing microchips. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Its largest segment, civil aerospace, which includes the jet engines that power large Airbus and Boeing aircraft, grew revenue by 29% and profits by 31%. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 30 July 2026

Superalloy castings must withstand extreme temperatures inside jet engines while maintaining structural integrity during sustained operation. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026

In the months that followed, the descent of the fabled, Thomas Edison–founded institution that produced the first long-lasting light bulbs, home TVs, and American jet engines was rapidly accelerating. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 July 2026

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