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

All rooms are soundproofed to the point that roaring jet engines don’t produce a muffle, even through the floor-to-ceiling windows, which will ensure you don’t miss out on the action. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Jan. 2026

With the Second World War shifting into the Cold War, the jet engine made possible a major shift in strategic bomber technology. —New Atlas, 8 Jan. 2026

Raytheon also owns Pratt and Whitney, a company that is responsible for manufacturing a host of jet engines that power aircraft for all the military branches, including the newest F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. —CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026

The Block 3 configuration marks the first platform intended to fly with a fully domestic fighter jet engine. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 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