reciprocating engine

American  

noun

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

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reciprocating engine British  

noun

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

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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

Even though Mazda's rotary Wankel engine was initially dirtier than the conventional reciprocating engine, the Japanese firm managed to control its emissions by installing a thermal reactor that burns the noxious gases.

From Time Magazine Archive

And there were still many jet plane problems to be licked before the planes were as practical as reciprocating engine types.

From Time Magazine Archive

Taking up the exhaust end of the turbine, we have a much more striking departure from the conditions familiar in 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 Collins, Hubert E. (Hubert Edwin)