Synonyms

fossil fuel

American

[fos-uhl fyoo-uhl] / ˈfɒs əl ˈfyu əl /

noun

Energy.

any combustible organic material, as oil, coal, or natural gas, derived from the remains of former life.

fossil fuel British

noun

any naturally occurring carbon or hydrocarbon fuel, such as coal, petroleum, peat, and natural gas, formed by the decomposition of prehistoric organisms

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

fossil fuel Scientific

A hydrocarbon fuel, such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas, derived from the accumulated remains of ancient plants and animals and used as fuel. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases generated by burning fossil fuels are considered to be one of the principal causes of global warming.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to the Sierra Club, more than 85% of renewable energy sources now cost less than fossil fuel sources.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

They are often created by burning fossil fuel products like the petrol or diesel that power vehicles.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

It came into force in 2024, together with a prohibition on fossil fuel adverts.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

She vows to support legislation that would hold large fossil fuel companies accountable for climate change, repeal tax breaks for the oil and gas industry and advance the transition to renewable energy.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

That takes a lot of energy and a lot of fossil fuel.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023