carbon footprint

noun

: the amount of greenhouse gases and specifically carbon dioxide emitted by something (such as a person's activities or a product's manufacture and transport) during a given period

Examples of carbon footprint in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Amazônia will be a zero carbon footprint festival, in alignment with Global Citizen’s campaign to Protect the Amazon rainforest; find the full details of the Protect the Amazon campaign here. Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2025 But the carbon footprint of the meat consumption depends on where the meat was produced, Goldstein said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2025 By sourcing produce locally, DMUSD reduces its carbon footprint while also supporting the local economy, the news release stated. Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2025 That's bad news for automakers and people who were hoping to reduce their carbon footprint somewhat by opting for a plug-in hybrid – a type of car that can be charged up to do short commutes about 50 miles (80 km) relying just on the battery, while the gas engine takes over for longer trips. New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for carbon footprint

Word History

First Known Use

1999, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbon footprint was in 1999

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carbon footprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbon%20footprint. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

carbon footprint

noun
: the amount of greenhouse gases and especially carbon dioxide given off by something (as a person's activities or a product's manufacture and transport) during a given period
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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