adj
combustible
kuhm-BUHS-tih-buhl
Combustible (adj) means Capable of catching fire and burning easily. Example: “Store combustible materials away from any open flame.”
adj
1
Capable of catching fire and burning easily.
"Store combustible materials away from any open flame."
"Dry brush becomes highly combustible during the summer."
2
Easily provoked to anger; volatile.
"Tempers grew combustible as the meeting dragged into its third hour."
How to use combustible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAble to catch fire easily, or (figuratively) quick to flare up emotionally.
Common pairings
highly combustible
combustible material
combustible situation
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Word forms
- Plural
- combustibles
- Comparative
- more combustible
- Superlative
- most combustible
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Store _____ materials away from any open flame.
Etymology
From Middle French combustible, built from combust plus the adjective suffix -ible.
Antonyms
noncombustible
Rhymes for combustible
See all rhymes for combustible →Frequently asked questions
What does “combustible” mean?
The word “combustible” means capable of catching fire and burning easily. In plain terms, able to catch fire easily, or (figuratively) quick to flare up emotionally.
How do you pronounce “combustible”?
“Combustible” is pronounced kuhm-BUHS-tih-buhl (/kəmˈbʌstɪbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “combustible” in a sentence?
Here is “combustible” used in a sentence: “Store combustible materials away from any open flame.”
What part of speech is “combustible”?
“Combustible” is an adjective.
Where does the word “combustible” come from?
The word “combustible” comes from Middle French. From Middle French combustible, built from combust plus the adjective suffix -ible.
How many meanings does “combustible” have?
“Combustible” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: capable of catching fire and burning easily.
