emitted; emitting

transitive verb

1
a
: to throw or give off or out
emit light/heat
b
: to send out : eject
2
a
: to issue with authority
especially : to put (something, such as money) into circulation
b
obsolete : publish
3
: to give utterance or voice to
emitted a groan
emitter noun

Examples of emit in a Sentence

The telescope can detect light emitted by distant galaxies. chimneys emitting thick, black smoke The brakes emitted a loud squeal.
Recent Examples on the Web The lighting emits 36 watts and features 600 LED lights, making for a bright option. Pamela Porter, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2024 When hit by photons, the dots emit electrons that flow across the graphene sheet to produce a current. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2024 Indeed, electric vehicles don’t emit any carbon dioxide when being driven, but their rechargeable batteries are causing environmental and social concerns of their own. Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 20 Mar. 2024 Oil and gas producers in major oil fields across the United States may be emitting three times as much planet-warming methane gas as official estimates, according to new research. Delger Erdenesanaa, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024 According to documents, officers discovered an open container of alcohol in the Charger, and Capilla himself emitted the scent of alcohol. The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 The weighted portion inside is filled with flax and lavender seeds that emit a light, relaxing scent. Nicola Fumo, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Displacing any amount of natural gas in our statewide energy portfolio could help with climate change, since burning hydrogen doesn’t emit the same planet-warming carbon dioxide as burning natural gas, which is up to 90% methane. Brooke Staggs, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2024 Think any of the people aghast at Fetterman’s shorts and hoodie emitted a peep about MTG? Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin emittere to send out, from e- + mittere to send

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of emit was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near emit

Cite this Entry

“Emit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emit. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

emit

verb
emitted; emitting
1
a
: to throw or give off or out
emit light
b
: to send out : eject
2
: utter entry 2 sense 1
emit a groan
Etymology

from Latin emittere "to send out," from e-, ex- "out, forth" and mittere "to send, throw" — related to dismiss, message, missile, transmit

More from Merriam-Webster on emit

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