reciprocating engine

American  

noun

1. any engine employing the rectilinear motion of one or more pistons in cylinders.

---

reciprocating engine British  

noun

1. an engine in which one or more pistons move backwards and forwards inside a cylinder or cylinders

---

Etymology

Origin of reciprocating engine

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

reciprocating engine

Caterpillar has said that it would increase its turbine manufacturing by 2.5 times and that it would increase its large reciprocating engine capacity to three times its 2024 levels.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

At the same time, oil and gas is expected to see moderate growth this year, with reciprocating engine sales expected to increase, driven by strong demand in gas compression applications, Creed says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026

There was plenty of space for a seated pilot behind a reciprocating engine.

From Time Magazine Archive

During World War II, Ryan built 1,600 PTs for the Army and a few score Navy Fireballs, the nation's first combination jet and reciprocating engine fighters.

From Time Magazine Archive

It has been found by expensive experimenting that moisture in the steam has a very decided effect on the economy of operation; or considerably more so than in the case of the reciprocating engine.

From Steam Turbines A Book of Instruction for the Adjustment and Operation of the Principal Types of this Class of Prime Movers by Hubert E. (Hubert Edwin) Collins