diesel

noun

die·​sel ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce diesel (audio)
-səl
1
2
: a vehicle driven by a diesel engine
3

Examples of diesel in a Sentence

Does your car take diesel or gasoline?
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.
In addition to the pending closures at Valero and Phillips 66, two other petroleum refineries in California have switched to producing renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels since 2019. Rob Nikolewski, Mercury News, 27 May 2025 The group is renovating four of the country’s museums, and also oversaw the opening of the Center for Contemporary Art, housed in a former diesel power station. Ginanne Brownell, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Trade policy uncertainty, tariffs, accelerating OPEC+ output, and expected weak global demand for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel are all conspiring against refiners—conversely, any relief on any of those fronts should boost their fortunes. Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 The Sacramento Bee reported that DeAngelo then worked as a diesel mechanic for Save Mart supermarkets in Roseville, Calif., for nearly three decades. Jessica Sager, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diesel

Word History

Etymology

Rudolf Diesel

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diesel was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Diesel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diesel. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

diesel

noun
die·​sel ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce diesel (audio)
-səl
1
2
: a vehicle (as a truck or train) driven by a diesel engine
3
: a fuel designed for use in diesel engines
Etymology

named for Rudolf Diesel 1858–1913 German engineer

Biographical Definition

Diesel

biographical name

Die·​sel ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce Diesel (audio)
-səl
Rudolf 1858–1913 German mechanical engineer

More from Merriam-Webster on diesel

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