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

But for now, most in Europe still rely on fossil fuel imports.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

A 2,000-year-old cement battery could reduce our reliance on fossil fuel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The findings land as a growing wave of lawsuits seek to hold fossil fuel producers and other carbon-heavy businesses accountable for climate "loss and damage".

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Gould said fossil fuel emissions are associated with various cancers, an increase in hospitalizations for older adults due to respiratory conditions, and asthma attacks or stunted lung growth in children.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

To Joel, sustainable organic farming means using this free solar energy instead of fossil fuel energy.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan