fuel

1 of 2

noun

fu·​el ˈfyü(-ə)l 

often attributive

1

a

: a material used to produce heat or power by burning

b

: nutritive material

c

: a material from which atomic energy can be liberated especially in a reactor

2

: a source of sustenance or incentive : reinforcement

fuel

2 of 2

verb

fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling

transitive verb

1

: to provide with fuel

2

: support, stimulate

movement is fueled by massive grants-in-aid

—Allen Schick

intransitive verb

: to take in fuel

—often used with up

Synonyms

Noun

• energy
• power

Examples of fuel in a Sentence

Noun

I had the fuel pump replaced on my car.

These latest scandals will provide further fuel for his political opponents.

These latest accusations will only add fuel to the controversy.

The controversy continues to rage, and these latest accusations will only add fuel to the fire.

Verb

The airplanes were fueled in midair.

The criticism she has faced has only fueled her determination to succeed.

Inflation was fueled by high prices.

The strong economy has fueled the construction of new homes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Related Articles Bay Area inflation eases up — but electricity and gas utility costs soar US inflation rose slightly last month after 2 years of steady cooling but remained low Inflation’s cut into wages gave Trump an edge California is about to change fuel standards. —Paul Krugman, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

Members also enjoy a range of perks and discounts with their Magenta Status package, like discounts on hotel stays, rental cars, concert tickets, movie tickets, fuel rewards, and even streaming services. —Advertising Content From T-Mobile, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024

Verb

Shortly after that, near the New York-New Jersey border, another fire fueled by drought, dry air, and high winds destroyed more than 2,500 acres. —Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024

Trump is set to pull funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, which has fueled electric vehicle investments, and nix the $7,500 tax credit for new EV purchases. —William Gavin, Quartz, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English fewel, from Anglo-French fuail, feuaile, from Vulgar Latin *focalia, from Latin focus hearth

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1592, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing fuel

• alternative fuel
• diesel fuel
• flex-fuel
• fossil fuel
• fuel cell
• fuel economy
• fuel injection
• fuel oil
• fuel up

Kids Definition

fuel

1 of 2 noun

fu·​el ˈfyü(-ə)l 

1

a

: a material used to produce heat or power by burning

b

: a material from which atomic energy can be produced especially in a reactor

2

: a source of energy

fuel

2 of 2 verb

fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling

: to supply with or take in fuel