Gasoline Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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gasoline
[ˈɡæsəˌliːn ]
Definitions
fuel for vehicles
Gasoline is a type of fuel used in internal combustion engines. It is a refined product of petroleum and is commonly used to power cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gasoline |
Common in American English, used to refer to the liquid derived from petroleum used primarily as fuel for internal combustion engines.
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| petrol |
Primarily used in British English to refer to the same liquid that 'gasoline' refers to in American English.
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| fuel |
A more general term that refers to any material that can be used to produce energy. It can include gasoline, diesel, coal, and other energy sources.
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| gas |
Commonly used in American English as a shortened form of 'gasoline'. It is mostly informal. Note: In other contexts, 'gas' can refer to a state of matter that isn't liquid or solid, like oxygen.
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Examples of usage
- John filled up his car with gasoline before heading out on the road trip.
- The price of gasoline has been steadily increasing over the past few months.
flammable liquid
Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid that can pose a fire hazard if not handled properly. It is important to store gasoline in approved containers and away from sources of ignition.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gasoline |
Commonly used in American English to refer to the liquid fuel used in cars. It's often used in formal and technical contexts.
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| petrol |
The term predominantly used in British English instead of gasoline. Suitable for use in formal, informal, or technical contexts.
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| fuel |
A general term that refers to any material that is consumed to produce energy. It can be applied to gasoline, wood, coal, etc.
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| gas |
A colloquial term commonly used in American English as a shorthand for gasoline. It can sometimes cause confusion as 'gas' can also refer to natural gas.
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Examples of usage
- The firefighters were called to the scene of a gasoline spill to prevent a potential fire.
- It is dangerous to use gasoline near an open flame.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'gasoline'
The word 'gasoline' originated in the late 19th century and is derived from the word 'gasolineum', which was first used in the 1860s to refer to a refined petroleum product. The use of gasoline as a fuel for vehicles became widespread in the early 20th century with the rise of the automotive industry.
See also: gas, gasbag, gases, gasification.