internal combustion engine

noun

: a heat engine in which the combustion that generates the heat takes place inside the engine proper instead of in a furnace

Examples of internal combustion engine 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.

Ethiopia was the first country to ban imports of internal combustion engine vehicles, spurring faster adoption of electric vehicles. — ABC News, 27 May 2026 While internal combustion engine cars put less than 25% of the energy in gasoline to use, EVs use about 90% of the energy in electricity to turn the car's wheels. — Jeff Brady, NPR, 1 June 2026 The combination of burning gasoline through internal combustion and utilizing electrical energy allows hybrids to travel further on a single tank of gas than internal combustion engine vehicles. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 June 2026 In most African markets, Chinese EVs cost the same as their internal combustion engine alternatives, according to research firm BMI. — Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for internal combustion engine

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of internal combustion engine was in 1884

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internal clock

internal combustion engine

internal control

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Style

“Internal combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internal%20combustion%20engine. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

internal combustion engine

noun

: an engine in which the fuel is ignited within the engine cylinder instead of in an external furnace

internal combustion engine

noun

Examples of internal combustion engine in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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