combustible

adjective

com·​bus·​ti·​ble kəm-ˈbə-stə-bəl How to pronounce combustible (audio)
1
: capable of combustion
combustible materials, such as paper, leaves, and sawdust
combustible gases
2
: easily excited
a combustible temper
The coach had to keep the combustible players under control.
combustibility noun
combustible noun
combustibly adverb

Examples of combustible in a Sentence

The fuel is highly combustible. don't store oily rags and other combustible materials in a hot attic
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.
Despite this reprieve, the NIH supported by the federal government will challenge the ruling amidst a combustible political backdrop of a U.S. President continuing to argue that his legislative agenda is being stymied by political opponents. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 First responders also recommend ensuring space between combustible items and your home, cleaning pine needles and leaves from rooftops and gutters, and decluttering the inside of the home to help curb a fire’s spread and prevent the loss of important items. Tyler Faurot, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 Its sound was fueled by singalong rock choruses and the combustible chemistry between guitarist-songwriter Noel Gallagher and his brother Liam, the band's singer. CBS News, 12 Feb. 2025 Both instances violated fire protection procedures that require maintaining at least 5 feet of distance between hot metal surfaces and combustible material. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for combustible

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin combustibilis, from Latin combustus (past participle of combūrere "to destroy with fire, combust") + -ibilis -ible

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of combustible was in 1529

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Combustible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combustible. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

combustible

adjective
com·​bus·​ti·​ble kəm-ˈbəs-tə-bəl How to pronounce combustible (audio)
1
: capable of being burned
2
: catching fire or burning easily
combustibility noun
combustible noun

Medical Definition

combustible

adjective
com·​bus·​ti·​ble kəm-ˈbəs-tə-bəl How to pronounce combustible (audio)
: capable of combustion
combustible anesthetics

More from Merriam-Webster on combustible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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