gas engine

American  

noun

1. an internal-combustion engine driven by a mixture of air and gas.

---

gas engine British  

noun

1. a type of internal-combustion engine using a flammable gas, such as coal gas or natural gas, as fuel

---

Etymology

Origin of gas engine

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

In most scenarios, the gas engine acts as a generator.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Japanese automakers have scored great success with traditional fuel-powered vehicles and hybrids, which have both a gas engine and electric motor.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke about his state's leadership on climate policies, including a ban on the sale of new gas engine vehicles by 2035.

From Reuters • Sep. 20, 2023

Some environmentalists don’t like PHEVs because they’re not pure electric drive and people don’t always charge up, instead relying more heavily on the gas engine.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2023

Lyra slid onto the cushioned bench behind a well-scrubbed pine table top as the low rumble of the gas engine shook the boat.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman