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

Capable of catching fire and burning easily.

"Store combustible materials away from any open flame."

"Dry brush becomes highly combustible during the summer."

Easily provoked to anger; volatile.

"Tempers grew combustible as the meeting dragged into its third hour."

How to use combustible

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAble to catch fire easily, or (figuratively) quick to flare up emotionally.

Common pairings

highly combustible combustible material combustible situation

Word forms

more combustible comparative, combustibles plural, most combustible superlative

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Store _____ materials away from any open flame.

Etymology

From Middle French combustible, built from combust plus the adjective suffix -ible.

Origin: Middle French

Rhymes for combustible

Bible edible legible visible audible fungible feasible tangible possible flexible gullible sensible

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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.