fuel

1 of 2

noun

fu·​el ˈfyü(-ə)l How to pronounce fuel (audio)
Synonyms of fuelnext
often attributive
1
a
: a material used to produce heat or power by burning
b
: nutritive material
c
: a material from which atomic energy can be liberated especially in a reactor
2
: a source of sustenance or incentive : reinforcement

fuel

2 of 2

verb

fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling

transitive verb

1
: to provide with fuel
2
: support, stimulate
… movement is fueled by massive grants-in-aid …—Allen Schick

intransitive verb

: to take in fuel
—often used with up

Synonyms of fuel

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of fuel in a Sentence

Noun I had the fuel pump replaced on my car. These latest scandals will provide further fuel for his political opponents. These latest accusations will only add fuel to the controversy. The controversy continues to rage, and these latest accusations will only add fuel to the fire. Verb The airplanes were fueled in midair. The criticism she has faced has only fueled her determination to succeed. Inflation was fueled by high prices. The strong economy has fueled the construction of new homes.
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.
Noun
This isn’t the first time Russia has seen widespread fuel shortages. — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Key Takeaways Pair protein with complex carbs to get both quick and long-lasting fuel in the morning. — Verywell Health, 5 July 2026
Verb
Stock up on this easy-to-grab snack to keep you and your family fueled all summer long. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026 The fueling issue added to earlier delays on Sunday caused by thunderstorms in the area. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fuel

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English fewel, from Anglo-French fuail, feuaile, from Vulgar Latin *focalia, from Latin focus hearth

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1593, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fuel was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing fuel

Rhymes for fuel

See All Rhymes for fuel

Browse Nearby Words

Fuegian
fuel
fuel-air bomb
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

fuel

1 of 2 noun
fu·​el ˈfyü(-ə)l How to pronounce fuel (audio)
1
a
: a material used to produce heat or power by burning
b
: a material from which atomic energy can be produced especially in a reactor
2
: a source of energy

fuel

2 of 2 verb
fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling
: to supply with or take in fuel

More from Merriam-Webster on fuel

Nglish: Translation of fuel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fuel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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