diesel

noun

die·​sel ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce diesel (audio)
-səl
1
2
: a vehicle driven by a diesel engine
3

Examples of diesel in a Sentence

Does your car take diesel or gasoline?
Recent Examples on the Web Cheah says that political stability has allowed the Anwar government to make unpopular, yet necessary, decisions, like the decision to remove diesel subsidies in June. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 17 Oct. 2024 Although hybrids, plug-in hybrids and both four- and six-cylinder diesel X3s are all built in BMW’s megaplant at Spartanburg, South Carolina, none of them will be offered here. Michael Taylor, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 That doesn't have to be a dealbreaker, though, because while the trailer is clearly inspired by Tesla's truck, it can be towed with any properly sized/equipped vehicle, from alternative electrics like the Rivian R1T to heavy-duty diesel pickups. New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024 The program penalizes refineries that make high carbon fuel, such as diesel and gasoline, and benefits makers of lower carbon fuels such as renewable diesel. Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diesel 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diesel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Rudolf Diesel

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diesel was in 1894

Dictionary Entries Near diesel

Cite this Entry

“Diesel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diesel. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

diesel

noun
die·​sel ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce diesel (audio)
-səl
1
2
: a vehicle (as a truck or train) driven by a diesel engine
3
: a fuel designed for use in diesel engines
Etymology

named for Rudolf Diesel 1858–1913 German engineer

Biographical Definition

Diesel

biographical name

Die·​sel ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce Diesel (audio)
-səl
Rudolf 1858–1913 German mechanical engineer

More from Merriam-Webster on diesel

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