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
fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling
1
: to provide with fuel
: 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
Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Speaking on Friday in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump suggested that Iran’s nuclear capabilities — which now include enough near-bomb-grade fuel to produce about six weapons — were reaching a critical point.
—David E. Sanger, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
Parker D. Walsh, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025
Six decades into his career, coaching still fuels Weinstein.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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show current usage.
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Noun
The single-aisle, long-range plane with improved fuel efficiency could open a flood of new transatlantic flights.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Speaking on Friday in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump suggested that Iran’s nuclear capabilities — which now include enough near-bomb-grade fuel to produce about six weapons — were reaching a critical point.
—David E. Sanger, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
America’s promise of equal opportunity—the one that fueled my dream—shouldn’t be broken for me, or for millions of other Americans who are disabled, qualified, and ready to serve.
—Parker D. Walsh, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025
Six decades into his career, coaching still fuels Weinstein.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
Cite this Entry
“Fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fuel
1 of 2 noun
fu·el
ˈfyü(-ə)l 
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
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