noun B2 Upper-Intermediate

kerosene

KEH-ruh-seen

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Kerosene (noun) means a light petroleum-based fuel used for jet engines, heating, and lighting, thinner than diesel but heavier than petrol. Example: “The cabin was lit by a kerosene lamp long before electricity arrived.”

noun

A light petroleum-based fuel used for jet engines, heating, and lighting, thinner than diesel but heavier than petrol.

"The cabin was lit by a kerosene lamp long before electricity arrived."

"Jet aircraft burn a refined type of kerosene as fuel."

"The kerosene lasted all winter, so the furnace kept us always warm."

How to use kerosene

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA common fuel oil used for heating, lamps, and jet engines.

UK vs US

British English typically calls the same household fuel "paraffin", while "kerosene" is the standard term in American English and in aviation worldwide.

Common pairings

kerosene lamp kerosene heater aviation kerosene

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: kerosenes

Test yourself on “kerosene” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The cabin was lit by a _____ lamp long before electricity arrived.

Etymology

Coined from the Ancient Greek kērós ("wax") plus the chemical suffix "-ene"; it was trademarked as a name in 1854 before becoming a generic term.

Origin: Ancient Greek · First attested 1854

Class of 1854 kerosene joined the language around 1854.

balaclava Buick

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Synonyms

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kerosine lamp oil coal oil

Rhymes for kerosene

gene bene nene lene Rene scene Irene Keene Beene Ilene serene Selene

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Frequently asked questions

What does “kerosene” mean?

The word “kerosene” means a light petroleum-based fuel used for jet engines, heating, and lighting, thinner than diesel but heavier than petrol. In plain terms, a common fuel oil used for heating, lamps, and jet engines.

How do you pronounce “kerosene”?

“Kerosene” is pronounced KEH-ruh-seen (/ˈkɛɹəsiːn/ in IPA).

How do you use “kerosene” in a sentence?

Here is “kerosene” used in a sentence: “The cabin was lit by a kerosene lamp long before electricity arrived.”

What part of speech is “kerosene”?

“Kerosene” is a noun.

Where does the word “kerosene” come from?

The word “kerosene” dates back to around 1854 and comes from Ancient Greek. Coined from the Ancient Greek kērós ("wax") plus the chemical suffix "-ene"; it was trademarked as a name in 1854 before becoming a generic term.

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