diesel-electric

adjective

die·​sel-elec·​tric ˈdē-zəl- i-ˈlek-trik How to pronounce diesel-electric (audio)
-səl-,
-ē-ˈlek-
: of, relating to, or employing a diesel engine for driving an electric generator or for charging batteries
a diesel-electric locomotive
diesel-electric submarines

Examples of diesel-electric in a Sentence

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.
Both options give the 101-footer the same maximum speed of around 13 knots, a cruising speed of 10 knots, and a range of 3,000 nautical miles at 8 knots, but the diesel-electric system uses less fuel, produces fewer emissions, and is cheaper to run than conventional gas engines. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2024 But Brightline West is even more ambitious than its Sunshine State predecessor: Florida's Brightline trains only reach speeds of up to 125 mph and are powered by diesel-electric locomotives, while Brightline West trains will be up to 75 mph faster and all-electric. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2024 Falcon offers tenders with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, so perhaps buyers could opt for a sustainable shuttle that burns less fuel than traditional gas-guzzling runabouts. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2024 In June 1985, the first of 63 new gallery cars and 18 new diesel-electric locomotives became part of a new push-pull operation, dubbed Caltrain. Shawna Chen, Axios, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diesel-electric 

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diesel-electric was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near diesel-electric

Cite this Entry

“Diesel-electric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diesel-electric. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!