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

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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of emit was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near emit

Cite this Entry

“Emit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emit. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

emit

verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on emit

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