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

To cut costs and emissions, Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is rolling out a pilot program using a semi-robotic ground tug called TaxiBot that allows pilots to taxi airliners around the airport without using their main jet engines. —David Szondy june 07, New Atlas, 7 June 2026

Standard jet engines deliver far more power for their weight than conventional electric motors can manage, largely because standard copper wiring becomes prohibitively heavy and dangerously overheats when pushed to its limits. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026

Engineers have long noted the similarity between these structures and cones used in jet engines to manage airflow at high speed. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

Based in the United Kingdom, GKN Aerospace manufactures landing gears, jet engines and other materials for commercial and military aircraft. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 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