turbocharger

American  

[tur-boh-chahr-jer] / ˈtɜr boʊˌtʃɑr dʒər /

noun

1. a supercharger that is driven by a turbine turned by exhaust gases from the engine.

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turbocharger British  

/ ˈtɜːbəʊˌtʃɑːdʒə /

noun

1. a centrifugal compressor which boosts the intake pressure of an internal-combustion engine, driven by an exhaust-gas turbine fitted to the engine's exhaust manifold

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Etymology

Origin of turbocharger

First recorded in 1930–35; turbo- + (super)charger

Example Sentences

The 12Cilindri is naturally aspirated, meaning it doesn’t rely on a turbocharger to push air into the cylinders, an old-school approach credited with a more natural, open roar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

It features a hand-built, 5.5 liter V-8 engine capable of roaring at 8,600 revolutions per minute without using a turbocharger or a battery-booster.

From Reuters • Oct. 26, 2021

Barnes’ truck spent a week at Banks’ garage, where a new cold air intake, a new exhaust system and a replacement intercooler was installed along with a turbocharger upgrade.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2021

Both Jetfire and Corvair camps claim their brand was first with the turbocharger, which would seem a Pyrrhic victory.

From New York Times • Aug. 26, 2021

If you drive a high-performance vehicle or have a turbocharger, experts typically recommend using premium gasoline.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2021