# combustible

/kəmbˈʌstəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/combustible
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a substance that can catch fire and burn easily. You use this to describe things like paper, wood, or gasoline.

For teachers: a substance that is capable of undergoing combustion. Often used in technical or industrial contexts to describe materials that pose a fire hazard.

## Examples

- Wood is a common combustible used for heating.
- The warehouse must be kept clear of all combustibles to meet local fire safety regulations.
- While the structural steel is designed to withstand extreme heat, the surrounding combustibles were quickly consumed by the initial flames, accelerating the spread of the fire.

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