Meaning & use

fossil fuel

noun·Academic

A natural fuel such as coal, oil, or gas formed from the remains of ancient organisms.

See it in a sentence

Many countries are trying to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels for electricity.

Burning fossil fuel releases carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change.

A note on using this word

Fossil fuels are nonrenewable, unlike solar or wind power, because they take millions of years to form.

Words with a similar meaning

coalpetroleum

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

renewable energy

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “fossil fuel”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.