jet engine

American  

noun

1. an engine, as an aircraft engine, that produces forward motion by the rearward exhaust of a jet of fluid or heated air and gases.

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jet engine British  

noun

1. a gas turbine, esp one fitted to an aircraft

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jet engine Scientific  

1. An engine, generally a gas turbine, that develops thrust from a jet of hot gases produced by burning fuel in a combustion chamber.

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Etymology

Origin of jet engine

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

He said designing the turbine, which kept as much of the original jet engine features as possible, was a roughly 18-month undertaking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

The jet engine maker reports External link fourth-quarter results Thursday morning.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

If a data center wants to roar like a jet engine all night, that’s the deal.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2025

A wall of flames over 300 feet tall by Smith’s estimate crested the ridge, roaring with the sound of a jet engine and blasting the resort with superheated wind and debris.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2024

Leaves rustling in the wind are about 10 decibels; a jet engine is about 120 decibels.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones