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

• 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

In the aftermath of such a transition, a background of low-energy remnant radiation would be emitted omnidirectionally, persisting even until the present day. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 16 Sep. 2025

Oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar color of the aurora) or a red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue light. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025

By studying gravitational waves related to the event, the researchers were able to observe an astrophysical phenomenon that does not emit light. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025

The floating creatures bloom in fluorescent green swirls that soak up carbon dioxide emitted by factories and power plants all over the world. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025

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
• amrit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit
• commit
• dalit
• dendrite
• illite
• misfit

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