pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: the action of polluting

especially : the action of making an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use by introducing chemical or manufacturing waste

Abandoned mining and milling operations are already implicated in pollution of the river with toxic and radioactive waste products …

—Larry Brown

b

: the condition of being polluted

A three-year study … has indicated that the lake already is suffering from severe pollution and that any additional development will exacerbate it.

—Anthony DePalma

2

: something that pollutes

especially : something (such as chemical or manufacturing waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use

tested the levels of pollution [=pollutants] in the water

Examples of pollution in a Sentence

industrial practices that have caused pollution of the air and water

The tests showed high levels of pollution in the water.

The fish are dying of pollution.

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, consumer awareness of microplastic pollution is higher than brands realize, raising the stakes for fiber content disclosure, preferred fiber programs, and claims substantiation across the supply chain. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2026

Simply put, the law requires state and local agencies to study the effects significant new projects will have on wildlife, noise, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, traffic and other factors. —Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026

Magnt is concerned about pollution and the effects on the environment. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

But with pollution and warming taking their own toll on fertility, the choice to avoid children might be taken out of people’s hands. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pollution

• light pollution
• noise pollution
• thermal pollution

Rhymes for pollution

• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian
• dilution
• elution
• locution
• solution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution

Kids Definition

pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

: the action of polluting : the state of being polluted

air pollution

compare noise pollution, thermal pollution

2

: pollutant

Medical Definition

pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

: the action of polluting or the condition of being polluted

2

: something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use : pollutant