emit

verb

ē-ˈmit 

emitted; emitting

transitive verb

1

a

: to throw or give off or out

emit light/heat

b

: to send out : eject

2

a

: to issue with authority

especially : to put (something, such as money) into circulation

b

obsolete : publish

3

: to give utterance or voice to

emitted a groan

emitter noun

Synonyms

• cast
• discharge
• emanate
• evolve
• exhale
• expel
• expire [archaic]
• give out
• irradiate
• issue
• radiate
• release
• send (out)
• shoot
• throw out
• vent

Example Sentences

The telescope can detect light emitted by distant galaxies.

chimneys emitting thick, black smoke

The brakes emitted a loud squeal.

Recent Examples on the Web

More studies are needed, but digital screens might not emit enough blue light to be harmful. —Carla Delgado, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2023

Hydrogen fuel cells emit only water, addressing a critical need to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide spewed into the environment. —Robert J. Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2023

Cruise ships emit large amounts of carbon dioxide—a single ship’s impact can rival 12,000 cars, by one estimate—and produce tons of garbage each day. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2023

Agricultural machinery, like tractors, and the trucks, trains, and planes that transport crops to consumers all emit carbon dioxide. —WIRED, 6 Mar. 2023

Rockets also emit black carbon directly into the stratospheric ozone layer, whereas most jets fly lower in the stratosphere, below the ozone. —Kay Nolan, BostonGlobe.com, 5 Mar. 2023

The fuel cells don’t emit other pollutants associated with natural gas combustion. —oregonlive, 4 Feb. 2023

While flying on hydrogen does not emit carbon, its production often does. —Christopher Raymond, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2023

Hydroelectricity does not emit any greenhouse gases. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Latin emittere to send out, from e- + mittere to send

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing emit

• re-emit

• re-emit

Kids Definition

emit

verb

ē-ˈmit 

emitted; emitting

1

a

: to throw or give off or out

emit light

b

: to send out : eject

2

: utter entry 2 sense 1

emit a groan

Etymology

from Latin emittere "to send out," from e-, ex- "out, forth" and mittere "to send, throw" — related to dismiss, message, missile, transmit