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

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

As an example, Einstein proposed that the gravitational influence of a large object like the sun could deflect light emitted by another object, such as a star virtually behind it, causing the object to appear a bit farther away from the perspective of Earth. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 3 Apr. 2024

Ironically, as better technology and environmental regulations have reduced the pollution emitted by ships, that inadvertent cloud brightening is fading, as well as the cooling that goes along with it. —Christopher Flavelle Ian C. Bates, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024

Each year, the California Air Resources Board sets a declining cap on the amount of greenhouse gas that can be emitted by power plants, fuel suppliers, and large industrial facilities. —Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2024

As the world’s largest polluter, emitting about a third of all global greenhouse gases, transitioning to a low-carbon economy in a fair way should be encouraged. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2024

This could include influencing AI developers and project leads to encourage the use of eco-friendlier AI design, such as choosing models and training methods that emit less CO2. —Nicola Sfondrini, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

These regions emit an extraordinary range of brightness, spanning from radio waves to X-rays. —Isaac Schultz / Gizmodo, Quartz, 27 Mar. 2024

This set emits an electric shock when pressed on paper and functions as a writing instrument. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 27 Mar. 2024

The lighting emits 36 watts and features 600 LED lights, making for a bright option. —Pamela Porter, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2024

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

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