fuel

1 of 2

noun

fu·​el ˈfyü(-ə)l 

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

Noun

• energy
• power

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

Noun

Oil and gas deregulation has been met with skepticism from the energy industry, because fuel demand is in a slump, and drilling for more oil and gas may not be profitable. —David Goldman, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025

This combined with higher fuel demand from spring travel and the switch to summer gasoline all typically contribute to higher prices in the spring. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 24 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

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

Phrases Containing fuel

• alternative fuel
• diesel fuel
• flex-fuel
• fossil fuel
• fuel cell
• fuel economy
• fuel injection
• fuel oil
• fuel up

Rhymes for fuel

• cruel
• dual
• duel
• gruel
• jewel
• newel
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual

Kids 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