fossil fuel

American  

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

noun

Energy.

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

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fossil fuel British  

noun

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

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fossil fuel Scientific  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

Researchers estimate that carbon released through soil respiration is seven to eight times greater than annual fossil fuel emissions produced by humans.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

"Since Tuvalu is particularly susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change, the TTF continues to seek to minimise the fund's exposure to fossil fuel reserves and carbon emissions," she added.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

"To put it plainly -- it is a death sentence for us if larger nations continue to open new fossil fuel projects," he said in 2024.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

This creates a dilemma for countries rethinking their reliance on fossil fuel, following the second energy crisis in four years.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

But the system only works as long as fossil fuel energy is cheap.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan