diesel

noun

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

Examples of diesel in a Sentence

Does your car take diesel or gasoline?
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.
Most of the Coast Guard’s fleet is powered by diesel and gas engines. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Groceries and everyday shopping have also gotten pricier because of diesel, the fuel of choice for trucks and heavy farming equipment. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 1 July 2026 Putin revealed that a complete ban on diesel exports is under consideration — after his own deputy prime minister had told reporters that no such ban was necessary. — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 In the rural and poor urban areas, only about 10% have access; the rest get power a few hours a day, if that, from generators running on diesel or heavy fuel oil. — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for diesel

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

Phrases Containing diesel

Rhymes for diesel

See All Rhymes for diesel

Browse Nearby Words

dies comitialis
diesel
Diesel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diesel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diesel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

diesel

noun
die·​sel ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce diesel (audio)
-səl
1
: diesel engine
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

Nglish: Translation of diesel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diesel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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