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 of emit

• radiate
• cast
• emanate
• release

Examples of emit in a Sentence

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

The duo also translate the musical signals being emitted by the cosmic rift, realizing that a giant space baby is about to be born, and that the energy bursts bombarding both Enterprises are effectively contractions. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Every process requires balancing sensitivity with reliability, ensuring electrons respond to the push of a laser’s pulse and then emit a tell-tale blip of light without fail. — New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026

The neutron-emitting radioisotope is used for several applications, such as starting up nuclear reactors. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026

The devices, essentially dimmable table lamps with a heat-emitting bulb positioned above a jar, melt scented wax from the top down. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for emit

• acquit
• admit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit
• commit
• dalit
• dendrite
• illite
• misfit
• moonlit

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