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

Ørsted shifted from relying on fossil fuels to becoming a top player in offshore wind. —Paul Klein, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

Yet, leaders insist the ruling will not deter their environmental campaigns, including against fossil fuel infrastructure projects in North Dakota and beyond. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

Long associated with fossil fuels, Texas is now the clean energy leader in the U.S., generating more than 20% of the renewable power in this country — more than any other state — according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Mar. 2025

Judges and regulators didn’t always share Trump’s commitment to propping up fossil fuels. —Kevin A. Young, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025

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