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

Unlike the flagship heavy-duty turbines, aeroderivative turbines are, as the name implies, derived from jet engines. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 July 2026

The team also developed another alloy designed for hotter sections of jet engines, where temperatures can reach 1,832°F (1,000°C). — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026

Pugnello frequently sounds like a rave or a sacrifice in a jet engine, thanks largely to the instrument at its center, a vicious hybrid synth/drum machine called the PĒRKONS HD-01. — Laura Snapes, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026

The baseplate and three bridges of the RMUL4 are machined from grade 5 titanium—an aerospace-grade alloy used in jet engines and a defining staple in Richard Mille’s design language. — Richard Mille Contributor, Forbes.com, 25 June 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