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

Politics Biden pardon, Patel FBI nomination fuel debate over politics and justice Dec. 2, 2024 Trump nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024

Curiosity fuels innovation, problem-solving, and engagement in the workplace. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Verb

As Big Tech continues to deliver empty promises instead of solutions to social ills—while dodging taxes, quashing regulations and fueling a yawning pay inequality gap—the public will continue to grow disenchanted with the industry. —Coleen M. Carrigan, WIRED, 9 Dec. 2024

The additional capital will be used to fuel its acquisition and development pipeline in areas like AI, as well as in the non-alcoholic wine and ready-to-drink (RTD) categories. —Kimberly Chin, Axios, 9 Dec. 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