jet engine

noun

: an engine that produces motion as a result of the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid

specifically : an airplane engine that uses atmospheric oxygen to burn fuel and produces a rearward discharge of heated air and exhaust gases see airplane illustration

Examples of jet engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the wind howled like a revving jet engine, local people retreated to their homes to play board games. —Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025

Cruise missiles meanwhile are unmanned vehicles that are propelled by jet engines, much like an airplane, and can be launched from ground, air, or sea. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025

Rolls-Royce – American depositary receipts of the British jet engine maker jumped as much as 18% on the heels of better-than-expected full-year earnings and updated its mid-term guidance. —Sean Conlon, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025

This increase is attributed to higher sales in the commercial jet engines and parts segment. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

jet engine

noun

: an engine that produces motion as a result of the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid

especially : an aircraft engine that uses atmospheric oxygen to burn fuel and produces a rearward discharge of heated air and exhaust gases