combustion engine

noun

: an engine that derives its motive force from the energy of combustion

Examples of combustion engine in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In August of last year, the Detroit Free Press reported Cadillac had decided not to do away with the XT5 crossover and would instead release its next iteration in 2027—with a traditional combustion engine under the hood. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 July 2026 With another 490 miles available from the combustion engine, the EREV is designed to completely banish range anxiety in countries that have poor charging infrastructure and/or expensive public charge pricing. — James Morris, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Sport mode sits closer to the 21C’s natural operating balance, engaging both the combustion engine and electric systems for full output while firming up the damping and sharpening responses. — Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026 Today, China is the world's leading auto manufacturer, with 100 or so companies producing an extensive range of fully electric, hybrid and internal-combustion engine vehicles. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for combustion engine

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of combustion engine was in 1886

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Style

“Combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combustion%20engine. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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combustion engine

noun

Examples of combustion engine in a Sentence

Word History

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