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

Ultrasonic Devices Generally silent to human ears, ultrasonic devices emit a high-frequency sound that rats can’t stand. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025

Peacock tail feathers can be treated to emit laser beams. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

Some counties are adding sirens that don’t depend on fragile cell networks to emit warnings, for one. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 Sep. 2025

For example, Erin Brockovich-style reporting is finding that in Memphis, Tennessee, Elon Musk’s xAI supercomputer, Colossus, is worsening air quality due to its massive use of methane-gas turbines, emitting a smog of nitrogen oxides and toxic formaldehyde. —Michaela Rychetska, JSTOR Daily, 18 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