combustion engine

noun

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

Examples of combustion engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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As lithium-ion battery prices plunge, e-trucks are becoming more economically viable, while China’s low electricity prices mean their day-to-day use is significantly cheaper than internal-combustion engine counterparts. Xiaoying You, semafor.com, 31 Mar. 2026 Combining a traditional combustion engine with a hybrid front-wheel electric drive all but eliminates EV range anxiety. New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2026 The company began as a joint venture between Renault and Geely, and was spun out as a hybrid and combustion engine specialist in 2023. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2026 Valdez Streaty said in reference to higher-margin combustion engine and hybrid options, as well as bigger trucks and SUVs that are historically favored by Americans. Julian Torres, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 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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Cite this Entry

“Combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combustion%20engine. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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