emitted; emitting
Synonyms of emit

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Biodiversity is threatened as trees that absorb pollution are replaced by cattle that emit methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. ABC News, 19 June 2026 Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney found that rotating and restacking layers of hBN can significantly alter the color and wavelength of light emitted by quantum emitters embedded within the material. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026 Galaxies emit light across the electromagnetic spectrum, but wavelengths in the extreme ultraviolet (UV) are absorbed very efficiently by pervasive clouds of hydrogen in intergalactic space, which blocks most of that UV light from more distant objects. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 19 June 2026 Cameron Knight The iconic water tower in Florence appears to be undamaged and is no longer emitting water. David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for emit

Word History

Etymology

Latin emittere to send out, from e- + mittere to send

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of emit was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emit. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

emit

verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on emit

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster