fuel

1 of 2

noun

fu·​el ˈfyü(-ə)l How to pronounce fuel (audio)
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-aidAllen Schick

intransitive verb

: to take in fuel
often used with up

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
Climate-skeptic Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is considering reducing or eliminating fuel efficiency standards for cars. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025 Photo : Invincible Boats Invincible 36 Catamaran This 36-foot power cat represents the latest in offshore fishing design, boasting a four-outboard configuration and 606-gallon fuel capacity. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
Instead, the chief judge used the opportunity to issue a clarion call for judicial review of the massive sentences that have fueled the crisis of mass incarceration, exemplified by the almost 7,500 people serving life or long-term sentences in New York prisons. Steve Zeidman, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025 Organic revenue, which strips out acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency, climbed 14% in the quarter, largely fueled by higher prices. Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025 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

1592, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near fuel

Cite this Entry

“Fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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