gasoline

noun

gas·​o·​line ˈga-sə-ˌlēn How to pronounce gasoline (audio)
ˌga-sə-ˈlēn
also -zə-
variants or less commonly gasolene
: a volatile flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture used as a fuel especially for internal combustion engines and usually blended from several products of natural gas and petroleum
gasolinic
ˌga-sə-ˈlē-nik How to pronounce gasoline (audio)
-ˈli-
adjective

Examples of gasoline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The risk is that the refinery troubles keep gasoline, diesel and jet fuel elevated for longer, keeping inflation elevated. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 Some consumer advocates still complained that Wednesday’s rate increase was too much for people whose household budgets are strapped by high gasoline prices and more expensive grocery bills. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 The resumption of Saudi exports could help ease tight supply of heavier grades that produce more residue fuel which ⁠can be used to refuel ships or processed further at refineries, to yield higher quality fuels such as gasoline and diesel. — August 18, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 California just became the first state in the nation to require that replacement car tires be as energy-efficient as new ones, a move the state says will save drivers a billion dollars annually while reducing gasoline and electricity demand. — Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gasoline

Word History

Etymology

gas entry 1 + -ol entry 2 + -ine entry 2 or -ene

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gasoline was in 1865

Phrases Containing gasoline

Rhymes for gasoline

See All Rhymes for gasoline

Browse Nearby Words

gasolier
gasoline
gasoline-electric
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gasoline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gasoline. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gasoline

noun
gas·​o·​line ˈgas-ə-ˌlēn How to pronounce gasoline (audio)
ˌgas-ə-ˈlēn
: a flammable liquid produced usually by blending products from natural gas and petroleum and used especially as a fuel for engines

More from Merriam-Webster on gasoline

Nglish: Translation of gasoline for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gasoline

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