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

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.

And like an actual combustion engine, the noise from the Torcal is linked not to the car’s speed, but to the actual work being demanded of its motors. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026 But until now, there’s always been a combustion engine along for the ride. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 The upcoming 2027 model will also be the first to feature E-Shift, an optional system that simulates the gear shifts of a combustion engine. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026 Three years later, the fully electric model is approaching the same headline figure without relying on a combustion engine. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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combustion engine

noun

Examples of combustion engine in a Sentence

Word History

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