gas tank: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal in core meaning; extended metaphorical use is informal/colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “gas tank” mean?
a container for storing fuel for a vehicle or machine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a container for storing fuel for a vehicle or machine.
a fixed, often cylindrical container for holding gaseous or liquid fuel under pressure, typically for use in a vehicle or heating system; metaphorically, it can refer to one's personal energy or stamina reserves.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: 'Petrol tank' is the standard term for a car's fuel container. 'Gas tank' is understood but identified as American. US: 'Gas tank' is standard. 'Fuel tank' is a more formal/technical synonym in both varieties.
Connotations
In the UK, 'gas' typically refers to household fuel (natural gas) or LPG. In the US, 'gas' is the default term for petrol/vehicle fuel.
Frequency
High frequency in US English; medium frequency in UK English, where 'petrol tank' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “gas tank” in a Sentence
VERB + gas tank: fill, check, empty, drain, repair, replaceADJ + gas tank: empty, full, leaking, auxiliary, mainPREP: in/into the gas tankVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gas tank” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- I need to stop and fill up the petrol tank.
- The mechanic found a crack in the fuel tank.
American English
- My gas tank is almost empty; we need to find a station.
- The recall was for a faulty gas tank sensor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Concerned with logistics of fleet vehicle maintenance and fuel storage.
Academic
Used in engineering, automotive design, or energy storage discussions.
Everyday
Common when discussing car issues, road trips, or refuelling.
Technical
Specifies material, capacity, pressure rating, and safety features.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gas tank”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gas tank”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gas tank”
- Using 'gas tank' for a domestic natural gas storage unit (use 'gas cylinder' or 'storage tank').
- Confusing 'gas tank' with 'oil pan' (which holds engine oil).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'gas tank' is standard American English. In British English, 'petrol tank' or 'fuel tank' is preferred, though 'gas tank' is understood.
Typically, no. For home heating or cooking, terms like 'gas cylinder' (portable) or 'storage tank' (fixed) are used. 'Gas tank' primarily refers to vehicle fuel.
A 'gas tank' is a fixed, integrated container in a vehicle or machine. A 'gas can' (or 'petrol can') is a portable container for transporting or storing fuel.
Informally, it can refer to a person's energy level, e.g., 'My gas tank is empty by Friday' meaning 'I'm exhausted.'
a container for storing fuel for a vehicle or machine.
Gas tank is usually neutral to informal in core meaning; extended metaphorical use is informal/colloquial. in register.
Gas tank: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs ˌtæŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs ˌtæŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “running on fumes (from an almost empty gas tank)”
- “hit the gas tank (to refuel)”
- “tank is on 'E' (empty)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a car 'drinking' gas from a metal 'tank'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY/VEHICLE IS A CONTAINER FOR ENERGY (e.g., 'My gas tank is empty this morning.').
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most common in British English for the part of a car that holds petrol?