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.
Other produce like tomatoes have also had massive price increases because of a frigid winter combined with tariffs and diesel costs. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 In the Gulf of Thailand, diesel prices have climbed so high that fishermen are warning their boats may soon sit idle. — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 The project is a centerpiece of the Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy, which targets the elimination of diesel truck emissions from port operations by 2030. — Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026 GasBuddy is now tracking 41 states with average gasoline prices below $4 per gallon, while 37 states are seeing average diesel prices below $5. — Miami Herald Staff Report, Miami Herald, 6 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 10 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

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