smog

noun

ˈsmäg How to pronounce smog (audio)
ˈsmȯg
: a fog made heavier and darker by smoke and chemical fumes
also : a photochemical haze caused by the action of solar ultraviolet radiation on atmosphere polluted with hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen especially from automobile exhaust
smogless
ˈsmä-gləs How to pronounce smog (audio)
ˈsmȯ-
adjective

Examples of smog in a Sentence

the city's smog was once so bad that darkness often prevailed, even at noon
Recent Examples on the Web For buyers in California, the restorer also received an executive order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for an engine build that can pass smog testing when assembled with a non-adjustable intake plenum, a fuel-pressure regulator, and specific cams. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 Russian warplanes bombed the hulking coke-processing plant on Avdiivka’s northern outskirts, using incendiary munitions to blow up fuel tanks at the plant, unleashing a toxic smog, according to Ukrainian soldiers fighting in the plant. Marc Santora Tyler Hicks, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2024 In other words, to get soot and smog under control, regulators will also have to prioritize slashing other pollutants — carbon dioxide and methane emissions that cause climate change. Justine Calma, The Verge, 12 Feb. 2024 The new limits target nitrogen oxide pollution, a major component of ground-level ozone, or smog, that has been found to worsen asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses. Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post, 21 Feb. 2024 One of the most widespread pollutants in the United States, smog is also one of the most dangerous, according to the American Lung Association. USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 The wind sent plumes of toxic black smog over the city and seeping into the plant, which the Ukrainians had long used as a stronghold in the face of Russian advances. Constant Méheut, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2024 The Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency, meanwhile, is poised to reject Southern California’s plan for cleaning up smog — even as local officials insist the remaining smog is largely the federal government’s fault. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2024 California has gone farther than other states, requiring diesel trucks to have smog checks, regulating pollution from large ships and locomotives, and requiring the owners of old semi-trucks to replace their engines. Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'smog.' 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

smoke + fog

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smog was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near smog

Cite this Entry

“Smog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smog. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

smog

noun
ˈsmäg How to pronounce smog (audio)
 also  ˈsmȯg
: a thick haze caused by the action of sunlight on air polluted especially by smoke and automobile exhaust fumes
Etymology

from smoke and fog

Medical Definition

smog

noun
ˈsmäg also ˈsmȯg
: a fog made heavier and darker by smoke and chemical fumes
also : a photochemical haze caused by the action of solar ultraviolet radiation on atmosphere polluted with hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen especially from automobile exhaust

More from Merriam-Webster on smog

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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