carbon monoxide

noun

: a colorless odorless very toxic gas CO that is formed as a product of the incomplete combustion of carbon or a carbon compound

Examples of carbon monoxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To avoid carbon monoxide leaks, homeowners should install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of their home and near sleeping areas, Nolan said. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2026

If using generators for power, keep them outside while also monitoring carbon monoxide levels inside with meters. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2026

Pratt Industries donates 100 alarms Pratt Industries’ Mill Division in Valparaiso has donated 100 carbon monoxide alarms to the Valparaiso Fire Department to support fire safety efforts, according to a release. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

Texas officials said some of the deaths in the 2021 ice storm were due to carbon monoxide poisoning as people sought warmth from cars and outdoor grills. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for carbon monoxide

• hydroxide
• tetroxide

Kids Definition

carbon monoxide

noun

: a colorless odorless very poisonous gas formed by the incomplete burning of carbon

Medical Definition

carbon monoxide

noun

: a colorless odorless very toxic gas CO that burns to carbon dioxide with a blue flame and is formed as a product of the incomplete combustion of carbon