emission
noun
emis·sion
ē-ˈmi-shən 
1
a
: an act or instance of emitting : emanation
b
archaic
: publication
c
: a putting into circulation
2
a
: something sent forth by emitting: such as
(1)
: electromagnetic radiation from an antenna or a celestial body
(2)
usually emissions
: substances discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile engine)
b
Examples of emission in a Sentence
trying to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases
Recent Examples on the Web
Outdoor air quality — emissions, fumes and odors — was the top concern cited by nearly two-thirds of respondents.
—
Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
To many climate advocates, focusing too much on measures to prepare society for the physical costs of climate change risked distracting from efforts to cut emissions.
—Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Beijing’s new pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions 7–10% below its peak by 2035 looks modest against the demands of climate science.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 Oct. 2025
The researchers looked beyond climate change and greenhouse gas emissions to factors including biodiversity, land use, water quality and agricultural pollution — and concluded that food systems are the biggest culprit in pushing Earth to the brink of thresholds for a livable planet.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emission
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Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
To many climate advocates, focusing too much on measures to prepare society for the physical costs of climate change risked distracting from efforts to cut emissions.
—Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Beijing’s new pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions 7–10% below its peak by 2035 looks modest against the demands of climate science.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 Oct. 2025
The researchers looked beyond climate change and greenhouse gas emissions to factors including biodiversity, land use, water quality and agricultural pollution — and concluded that food systems are the biggest culprit in pushing Earth to the brink of thresholds for a livable planet.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emission
Cite this Entry
“Emission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emission. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
emission
noun
emis·sion
ē-ˈmish-ən
1
: an act or instance of emitting
2
: something emitted or discharged
Medical Definition
emission
noun
emis·sion
ē-ˈmish-ən
1
: an act or instance of emitting
2
a
: something sent forth by emitting: as
(1)
: electrons discharged from a surface
(2)
: electromagnetic waves radiated by an antenna or a celestial body
(3)
: substances and especially pollutants discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile gasoline engine)
b
: a discharge of fluid from a living body
especially
: ejaculate see nocturnal emission
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