fossil fuel

noun

: a fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) formed in the earth from plant or animal remains
fossil-fueled adjective

Examples of fossil fuel in a Sentence

oil and other fossil fuels
Recent Examples on the Web On the world stage, Sall has become a global champion for the right of Senegal and other developing nations to use their resources, including fossil fuels, to industrialize and develop. Rachel Chason, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024 That requires a transition from fossil fuels to clean energy over the next few decades. Justine Calma, The Verge, 22 Mar. 2024 Both sides of the street The conglomerate’s green plans are impressive, but climate experts are critical of its continued massive investments in fossil fuels. Diksha Madhok, CNN, 20 Mar. 2024 For instance, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is transitioning appliances, and heating and cooling systems, powered by fossil fuels to those powered by electricity. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 Nobody said the switch away from fossil fuels would be easy. Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 The use of other fossil fuels also became more reliable than whale oil. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024 Industrialized countries like the United States, which became economic superpowers by emitting huge amounts of greenhouse gases, are still the world’s biggest per capita producers and consumers of fossil fuels. Max Bearak, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Gains made in battery technology and energy management will improve consumer electric vehicles, and advancements in biofuels may help cars transition away from fossil fuels to lessen the carbon footprint. Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fossil fuel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fossil fuel was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near fossil fuel

Cite this Entry

“Fossil fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fossil%20fuel. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fossil fuel

noun
: a fuel (as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from plant or animal remains

More from Merriam-Webster on fossil fuel

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