fossil fuel

noun

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

fossil-fueled

ˈfä-səl-ˌfyü(-ə)ld 

adjective

Examples of fossil fuel in a Sentence

oil and other fossil fuels

Recent Examples on the Web

The Republican president prioritizes fossil fuels to produce electricity, unlike Biden, who saw clean energy as a climate solution. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Green ammonia could significantly cut the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels and reduce emissions from shipping. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

Those fossil fuel and nuclear industry lobbyists must be giving away a lot of money in Albany! — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

The fossil fuel companies have argued that state and local governments like Boulder are seeking to use the courts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. — Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fossil fuel

• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual
• nonrenewal
• nonsexual
• unusual
• cruel
• dual
• duel

Kids Definition

fossil fuel

noun

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