chemtrail
noun
chem·trail
ˈkem-ˌtrāl 
plural chemtrails
: a long-lasting airplane contrail believed to be composed of harmful chemical or biological agents that are dispersed as part of a conspiracy (as to manipulate the environment or the population)
In a … study of the public's belief in conspiracy theories, … 12% said world governments use chemtrails to secretly poison their people.—
Chas Newkey-Burden
Chas Newkey-BurdenAirplane contrails have probably gotten more than their fair share of attention over the years. In particular, they've provided consistent fodder for conspiracy theorists convinced that condensation trails are actually "chemtrails" resulting from secret government chemical spraying programs.—Earth Island Journal
Earth Island JournalAccording to myriad conspiracy theories, some of those "harmless" vapors are instead sinister "chemtrails." … Some say the cloudy lines are part of government weather-controlling experiments; others say that they're a form of germ warfare.—Benjamin Radford
Benjamin RadfordExamples of chemtrail in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2014, former GOP Chair Kelli Ward cited concerns about chemtrails during a town hall.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Mace claimed that other states, including Tennessee and Florida, had already banned chemtrails.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2025
In a statement celebrating his signature on the bill, Gov. Ron DeSantis specifically mentioned weather modification and geoengineering but does not mention chemtrails.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025
The bill also would require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to set up a hotline for anyone to report chemtrails or geoengineering efforts.
—Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2025
What To Know At least eight states have introduced bills regarding chemtrails.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Though debunked many times over the years, chemtrail believers say the white condensation lines left behind by airplanes in the sky are filled with toxic chemicals.
—Ramishah Maruf, Brandon Miller, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
PolitiFact has repeatedly reported that chemtrails aren’t real.
—Madison Czopek, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2019
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Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Mace claimed that other states, including Tennessee and Florida, had already banned chemtrails.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2025
In a statement celebrating his signature on the bill, Gov. Ron DeSantis specifically mentioned weather modification and geoengineering but does not mention chemtrails.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025
The bill also would require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to set up a hotline for anyone to report chemtrails or geoengineering efforts.
—Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2025
What To Know At least eight states have introduced bills regarding chemtrails.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Though debunked many times over the years, chemtrail believers say the white condensation lines left behind by airplanes in the sky are filled with toxic chemicals.
—Ramishah Maruf, Brandon Miller, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
PolitiFact has repeatedly reported that chemtrails aren’t real.
—Madison Czopek, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Chemtrail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemtrail. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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