Word
petrol
US/ˈpɛtɹoʊɫ/
UK/pˈɛtɹəl/
Definitions
01motor fuel
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun British English
n. the liquid fuel you put in a car to make it run.
n. a volatile, flammable liquid mixture of hydrocarbons used as a fuel for internal combustion engines.
“We had to stop at a service station because the car was low on petrol.”
“The sudden increase in the price of petrol has forced many families to reconsider their reliance on private vehicles for daily commuting.”
Usage
Commonly used in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand; speakers in the US and Canada use 'gas' or 'gasoline'.
Pitfall
I need to buy some petrols for the trip.
I need to buy some petrol for the trip.
Petrol is uncountable when referring to the fuel itself; do not use the plural form.
Teaching tip
Learners should be aware that using 'petrol' in North America may cause confusion, though the meaning is generally understood from context.
02type of vehicle
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English · Informal
n. a car that uses petrol instead of diesel or electricity.
n. a motor vehicle powered by a petrol engine, distinguished from diesel or electric alternatives.
“Is your new car a petrol or a diesel?”
“With the new emissions regulations, many commuters are trading in their older diesels for modern petrols or hybrids.”
Synonyms
03to refuel
C2 · Proficiency British English · Archaic
v. to put fuel into a vehicle.
v. to supply or fill a vehicle with petrol.
“We stopped at the station to petrol the car before the long drive.”
“The ground crew worked quickly to petrol the aircraft before the next leg of the journey.”
Confusables
Petrol is the standard term in British English, while gasoline or gas is used in American English.
RememberPetrol for the UK; Gas for the USA.
Etymology
Borrowed from French (essence de) pétrole, from Medieval Latin petroleum, from Ancient Greek πετρέλαιον (petrélaion, “oil of the rock”), from πέτρα (pétra, “stone, rock”)+ ἔλαιον (élaion, “olive oil, any oily substance”). Doublet of petroleum.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
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