Petrol: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in British English to refer to the liquid used in cars and other vehicles.

• I need to fill up the car with petrol before our trip.
• Petrol prices have risen again this week.

Predominantly used in American English and refers specifically to the liquid used in engines.

• The price of gasoline has increased this month.
• They sell high-quality gasoline at this station.

A generic term that can refer to any material that is used to produce energy, like petrol, diesel, or even wood. It is suitable in both technical and everyday language.

• The bus runs on diesel fuel.
• Scientists are searching for new fuel sources.

Commonly used in American English to refer to petrol/gasoline. It can also mean a state of matter that is neither solid nor liquid, such as oxygen.

• I need to stop at the station to get some gas.
• The gas leak was repaired promptly.

Widely used in British English, 'petrol' refers to the liquid fuel used in internal combustion engines, particularly for cars.

• I need to stop at a petrol station to fill up the car.
• How much is the petrol per liter these days?

Commonly used in American English, 'gasoline' or 'gas' specifically refers to the liquid petroleum product used primarily in car engines.

• I need to fill up my tank with gasoline before the long drive.
• The price of gasoline has gone up again this week.

'Fuel' is a more general term that can mean any material that can be burnt or used to create energy; it can include petroleum, coal, wood, etc.

• We need to find some fuel for the campfire.
• The plane needs to refuel before taking off again.