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.
Bloom, which makes fuel cells that can convert everything from fossil fuels to hydrogen into electricity, also raised its full-year revenue outlook. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 The breakthrough could help heavy industries cut their reliance on fossil fuels. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 If elected, the pair, along with sitting Democrat Alicia Johnson, would create a 3-2 majority that supporters say would steer Georgia away from planet-warming fossil fuels and toward cleaner sources of electricity. — David Wickert, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Earlier this year, the White House struck a series of deals with offshore wind developers to abandon projects off the coast and invest instead in fossil fuel infrastructure. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

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