internal-combustion
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of internal-combustion
First recorded in 1880–85
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.
It has since walked back that goal, extending its plans for more internal-combustion models.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
In the internal-combustion category, the Honda Civic Hybrid and Hyundai Pallisade Hybrid were the top cars and SUVs.
From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026
The automaker said its fourth-quarter revenue rose to $46 billion, from $44 billion a year earlier, thanks to strong sales of internal-combustion vehicles and light commercial trucks.
From New York Times • Feb. 6, 2024
The EPA has also said that the auto industry could employ widespread use of particulate filters, which mitigate the soot emitted from internal-combustion engines.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 25, 2024
It represents the greatest possible utilization of the power of heat in an internal-combustion engine.
From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.