fuel cell

noun

: a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel (such as hydrogen) and an oxidant directly into electrical energy

Examples of fuel cell 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.
Cities around the world are using hydrogen fuel cells, wind power, and hydrofoil boats to move commuters, tourists, and residents across their waterways. — Jaclyn Trop, Wired News, 5 June 2026 Its fuel cells generate electricity from natural gas through a chemical reaction, rather than burning the fuel. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 2 June 2026 Inside the vehicle, a fuel cell combines hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026 Among other things the pipeline would deliver natural gas to fuel cells — like one operated by the town of Colchester that uses an electrochemical process to produce electricity from gas without combustion. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fuel cell

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fuel cell was in 1922

Rhymes for fuel cell

See All Rhymes for fuel cell

Browse Nearby Words

fuel-air bomb
fuel cell
fuel dope
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Cite this Entry

“Fuel cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel%20cell. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fuel cell

noun
: a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel (as hydrogen) into electrical energy

More from Merriam-Webster on fuel cell

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fuel cell

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