carcinogen

noun

car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsi-nə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkär-sə-nə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance or agent causing cancer

Examples of carcinogen in a Sentence

Cigarette smoke contains known carcinogens.
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.
Critics say artificial turf is environmentally hazardous, contains potential carcinogens, and requires expensive replacement after a decade or so. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 24 July 2025 Why Grilling Can Increase Cancer Risk Grilling meat over high heat can form carcinogens that have been linked to cancer, said Daniel Landau, MD, an oncologist with The Mesothelioma Center and medical director of virtual hematology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 3 July 2025 High-temperature, dry-heat methods increase the formation of carcinogens, which ups cancer risk, while moist-heat methods can help reduce these risks, Samuels says. Lauryn Higgins, Time, 3 July 2025 According to a Consumer Reports study, cancer-causing carcinogens were found in 10 of the most popular braiding hair brands. Essence, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for carcinogen

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carcinogen was in 1853

Cite this Entry

“Carcinogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carcinogen. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

carcinogen

noun
car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsin-ə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance that causes cancer
carcinogenic adjective

Medical Definition

carcinogen

noun
car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsin-ə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance or agent causing cancer

More from Merriam-Webster on carcinogen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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