emission

noun

emis·​sion ē-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce emission (audio)
Synonyms of emissionnext
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
emissive adjective

Examples of emission in a Sentence

trying to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases
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.
This reduces reverse logistics costs, eliminates unnecessary carbon emissions and ensures those items serve a purpose locally. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 3 Feb. 2026 Carbon markets are increasingly reflecting regional policy decisions rather than global changes in emissions, new research showed. Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 3 Feb. 2026 The program targets a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared with current engines, a key goal as airlines face rising fuel costs and tighter emissions requirements. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026 These X-ray emissions mark the earliest cosmic detection of intracluster heating and virialization. Big Think, 2 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emission

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of emission was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emission. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

emission

noun
emis·​sion ē-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce emission (audio)
1
: an act or instance of emitting
2
: something emitted or discharged
emissive adjective

Medical Definition

emission

noun
emis·​sion ē-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce emission (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster