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
fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling
1
: to provide with fuel
: to take in fuel
—often used with up
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
Christopher Cann, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Relief efforts are further hampered by power outages, fuel shortages and spotty communications.
—Arkansas Online, 1 Apr. 2025
Alex Draper, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
That type of preparation would ensure that the body has enough energy and water to fuel it for an extreme activity.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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Noun
The urgent warnings advised residents to avoid burning anything outdoors, as a combination of high winds, low humidity and an abundance of dry fuels could lead to explosive wildfire growth.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Relief efforts are further hampered by power outages, fuel shortages and spotty communications.
—Arkansas Online, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
Trust is the invisible force that fuels high-performing teams.
—Alex Draper, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
That type of preparation would ensure that the body has enough energy and water to fuel it for an extreme activity.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
Cite this Entry
“Fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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