coal

A black or brown rock dug from the ground and burned to produce heat or electricity.

• They burn coal to make electricity.
• His father worked in a coal mine.
• Large coal deposits lie beneath these hills.

Common phrases: coal mine, coal mining, burn coal

A type or grade of black or brown fuel sold for burning.

• This coal burns with little smoke.
• The supplier sells several grades of coal.
• We bought cheaper coal for the stove.

Common phrases: smokeless coal, domestic coal, coal for heating

A single piece of black or brown rock used as fuel.

• Put another coal on the fire.
• The coals glowed in the dark.
• She moved the hot coals with a shovel.

Common phrases: hot coal, glowing coal, coal on something

To provide a ship or engine with black rock fuel for burning.

• The crew stopped to coal the ship.
• Workers coaled the engine before dawn.
• The steamer needed coaling at the next port.

Common phrases: coal a steamer, coal a ship