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

Ease on the power (there are five levels of assist), and the ride improves as the pedals combine with the rear hub, which is nearly silent at lower settings and emits only a slight whir at full power. — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

When comets come around the sun, the dust emitted as the debris collides with Earth's atmosphere forms a trail that creates fiery, colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 21 July 2026

Looking deeper at the gamma-ray data, the team found the northern part of the remnant emits a totally different signal than the rest of the region. — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 21 July 2026

Compared to conventional pigments that reflect light, Quantum Light’s pigments absorb and emit light with extraordinary color purity and optical intensity. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 July 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