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

At the time, Daylight Saving Time was believed to help conserve fuel, but nowadays many believe that the shift is necessary to conserve energy. —Gina Park, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024

Then, the engine burns the mix of fuel and air, releasing heat. —Michael Leamy, Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

And more anger has been fueled by the inability of officials to respond quickly to the aftermath. —Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

And the drinks that customers order have also become much more complicated, and sometimes fueled by social-media hijinx. —Azure Gilman, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2024

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

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