internal combustion engine

noun

: a heat engine in which the combustion that generates the heat takes place inside the engine proper instead of in a furnace

Examples of internal combustion engine in a Sentence

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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.

This was a back-door effort to coerce Detroit to phase out the internal combustion engine, as the only realistic way car makers could meet the requirement was to massively expand their EV or hybrid inventories. — Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026 Rather than just replace the eight-cylinder with another internal combustion engine, Smith decided to modernize the car and convert it to battery power. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026 This allows the small car to travel further distances than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles while burning less fuel for motion. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026 Before the invention of the internal combustion engine, perhaps. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for internal combustion engine

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of internal combustion engine was in 1884

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internal clock

internal combustion engine

internal control

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Style

“Internal combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internal%20combustion%20engine. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

internal combustion engine

noun

: an engine in which the fuel is ignited within the engine cylinder instead of in an external furnace

internal combustion engine

noun

Examples of internal combustion engine in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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