internal combustion engine

noun

: a heat engine in which the combustion that generates the heat takes place inside the engine proper instead of in a furnace

Examples of internal combustion engine in a Sentence

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.
Until recently, Kei cars have been mainly internal combustion engine powered, but Suzuki recently unveiled its Vision e-Sky concept electric Kei car. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 However, the battery is powered by an internal combustion engine running on gasoline. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 24 Jan. 2026 An electric vehicle doesn't have the same start-up process as an internal combustion engine vehicle. Charles Singh, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026 The standard Raybird, which runs on an internal combustion engine (ICE), allows for a flight endurance of over 28 hours, Skyeton explained in a press statement. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for internal combustion engine

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of internal combustion engine was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Internal combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internal%20combustion%20engine. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

internal combustion engine

noun
: an engine in which the fuel is ignited within the engine cylinder instead of in an external furnace
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