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

Both emit a strong, sweet odor. —Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026

The park is home to Photinus carolinus fireflies, just like the Smokies, as well as the enchanting blue ghost fireflies (Phausis reticulata), which emit a blue-green glow. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026

Active sonar systems emit a pulse of sound into the water, which then bounces off the seafloor, creating an echo. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

In 2020, Longcore co-published a study linking artificial night light, including blue light emitted by LEDs, to cancer. —Los Angeles Times, 8 May 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
• 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