often attributive
1
a
: a material used to produce heat or power by burning
b
: nutritive material
c
: a material from which atomic energy can be liberated especially in a reactor
2
: a source of sustenance or incentive : reinforcement
fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling
1
: to provide with fuel
: to take in fuel
—often used with up
Examples of fuel in a Sentence
Noun
I had the fuel pump replaced on my car.
These latest scandals will provide further fuel for his political opponents.
These latest accusations will only add fuel to the controversy.
The controversy continues to rage, and these latest accusations will only add fuel to the fire.
Verb
The airplanes were fueled in midair.
The criticism she has faced has only fueled her determination to succeed.
Inflation was fueled by high prices.
The strong economy has fueled the construction of new homes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sarah-Grace Mankarious, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was notified for a possible fuel leak.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
Venture capital companies are pouring money into AI, fueling office and staff growth.
—Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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show current usage.
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Noun
In southern Gaza, the 140,000 litres of fuel needed weekly to maintain water supply operations was not received last week, leading to warnings from local officials of an imminent full-scale shutdown, the UN reported on May 21.
—Sarah-Grace Mankarious, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was notified for a possible fuel leak.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Verb
Even if Florida dodges a direct hit by a major hurricane this year, the uncertainty of storm-prediction capabilities and recovery aid are likely to drive Florida’s property insurance industry into a maelstrom of uncertainty, potentially fueling catastrophic rate increases.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
Venture capital companies are pouring money into AI, fueling office and staff growth.
—Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
Cite this Entry
“Fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fuel
1 of 2 noun
fu·el
ˈfyü(-ə)l 
1
a
: a material used to produce heat or power by burning
b
: a material from which atomic energy can be produced especially in a reactor
2
: a source of energy
fuel
2 of 2 verb
fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling
: to supply with or take in fuel
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