combustible

adjective

com·​bus·​ti·​ble kəm-ˈbə-stə-bəl How to pronounce combustible (audio)
1
: capable of combustion
combustible materials, such as paper, leaves, and sawdust
combustible gases
2
: easily excited
a combustible temper
The coach had to keep the combustible players under control.
combustibility noun
combustible noun
combustibly adverb

Examples of combustible in a Sentence

The fuel is highly combustible. don't store oily rags and other combustible materials in a hot attic
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.
While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, O'Brian said the tank contained natural gas byproducts of oil drilling and held a mixture of water, a combustible liquid and brine. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024 Having a succession plan and promoting a positive company culture that can weather the loss of key members is essential to maintaining momentum, no matter how combustible things may get behind the scenes. Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024 But regardless of where the number lands, the issue has become a combustible topic as a growing number of Californians struggle with the rising cost of living. Rob Nikolewski, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024 Smoking is only allowed inside of vehicles, on roadways or in other areas without combustible material. Buffalo National River, arkansasonline.com, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for combustible 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin combustibilis, from Latin combustus (past participle of combūrere "to destroy with fire, combust") + -ibilis -ible

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of combustible was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near combustible

Cite this Entry

“Combustible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combustible. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

combustible

adjective
com·​bus·​ti·​ble kəm-ˈbəs-tə-bəl How to pronounce combustible (audio)
1
: capable of being burned
2
: catching fire or burning easily
combustibility noun
combustible noun

Medical Definition

combustible

adjective
com·​bus·​ti·​ble kəm-ˈbəs-tə-bəl How to pronounce combustible (audio)
: capable of combustion
combustible anesthetics

More from Merriam-Webster on combustible

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!