fossil fuel

noun

: a fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) formed in the earth from plant or animal remains
fossil-fueled
ˈfä-səl-ˌfyü(-ə)ld How to pronounce fossil fuel (audio)
adjective

Examples of fossil fuel in a Sentence

oil and other fossil fuels
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas is the chief driver of the climate crisis. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 July 2026 For decades, oceans have acted as the planet’s main heat sink, absorbing 90% of the excess heat produced by humans burning fossil fuels. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026 We’re paralyzed by whether a carbon-belching fossil fuel company’s right to pollute should outweigh the rest of the country’s right to clean air and a stable climate. — Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026 Norway, for instance, has been a global leader in the transition away from fossil fuels and toward green energy despite the fact that its fund is seeded by oil revenues. — Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fossil fuel

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fossil fuel was in 1759

Rhymes for fossil fuel

See All Rhymes for fossil fuel

Browse Nearby Words

fossil flour
fossil fuel
fossiliferous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fossil fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fossil%20fuel. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fossil fuel

noun
: a fuel (as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from plant or animal remains

More from Merriam-Webster on fossil fuel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fossil fuel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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