greenhouse

1 of 2

noun

green·​house ˈgrēn-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce greenhouse (audio)
plural greenhouses
1
: a usually permanent climate-controlled structure enclosed (as by glass or multiple layers of plastic) and used usually year-round for the cultivation or protection of tender plants
2
: a clear plastic shell (such as a canopy) covering a section of an airplane
also : a compartment (as for a bombardier) enclosed by such a shell

greenhouse

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, contributing to, or caused by the greenhouse effect
greenhouse warming
greenhouse gases

Examples of greenhouse in a Sentence

Noun needed to move the plants into the greenhouse before the first frost killed them
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The decor is modern, but not cold: at its center is a hydroponic greenhouse from which herbs and spices used in cocktails are harvested, and the zero-waste concept helps to determine the ingredients for the dishes prepared in the restaurant, which are always made with care. Francesca Faccani, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2024 The biggest expansion would be for the college’s horticulture and agricultural sciences programs — including the addition of two academic buildings, two greenhouses, a barn and working farm, experimental labs, classrooms, student group and common areas. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 10 Apr. 2024 Outdoors, there is a greenhouse, swimming pool and views of San Francisco Bay and the East Bay hills. Pueng Vongs, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024 According to the company's website, the greenhouse walls also help increase light and air volume to help plants grow. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024 Like Monterey County, Santa Barbara County has an abundance of greenhouses. Brad Branan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 According to the informants, one greenhouse contained about 3,500 marijuana plants; the informant noted two tents and six greenhouses on the property that month. Frank E. Lockwood, arkansasonline.com, 30 Mar. 2024 Across the sprawling property are four greenhouses, a swimming pool complemented by a pair of pagoda-style cabanas, a tennis court, a superintendent’s house, a four-stall carriage house with staff bedrooms, a few cottages for guests or staff, and equestrian facilities. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2024 The Corolla braked and turned, headlights sweeping across prairie grass, and entered the driveway of a 10-acre compound filled with circular huts and row after row of greenhouses. Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 14 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Millstone accounts for 40% of Connecticut’s electricity and 90% of non-greenhouse gas emissions. Stephen Singer, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2022 And there are other ways for the president to crack down on emissions, including tightening regulations on non-greenhouse coal-plant pollutants and vehicle fuel economy standards, and boosting support for renewables. Tim McDonnell, Quartz, 22 Sep. 2020 The emissions impact of millions of people not commuting by car every day are enormous No single activity contributes more greenhouse gas emissions than driving to and from work. Matt Butner, Quartz at Work, 5 May 2020 Ideally, the new project would generate less greenhouse gas emissions than are being created at the Coliseum. Phil Matier, SFChronicle.com, 25 Mar. 2020 The change is also expected to result in significantly more greenhouse gas emissions, which trap the sun’s heat, worsening the effects of climate change. Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2020 Of the 90 countries whose oil extraction was studied, few generated more greenhouse gas per barrel. Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2020 The thawing of permafrost represents a positive feedback that amplifies warming by releasing more greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2020 Increasing fuel efficiency means vehicles burn less gas and subsequently emit less greenhouse gas pollution into the atmosphere. New York Times, 25 July 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'greenhouse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greenhouse was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near greenhouse

Cite this Entry

“Greenhouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenhouse. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

greenhouse

1 of 2 noun
green·​house -ˌhau̇s How to pronounce greenhouse (audio)
: a glassed enclosure for cultivation of plants

greenhouse

2 of 2 adjective
: relating to, causing, or caused by the greenhouse effect
greenhouse warming

More from Merriam-Webster on greenhouse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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