greenhouse gas

noun

: any of various gaseous compounds (such as carbon dioxide or methane) that absorb infrared radiation, trap heat in the atmosphere, and contribute to the greenhouse effect
Water vapor is an important gas for the study of climate and weather because of its role as a natural greenhouse gas as well as its relationship to clouds and precipitation.Mohi Kumar
Scientists now recognize tropospheric ozone—a component of smog—as a greenhouse gas as well as an eye and lung irritant.Science News
While it may not be possible to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions, it is possible to offset some of the emissions that do still occur. Offsetting involves supporting projects that reduce or sequester greenhouse gas emissions in another location.Tyson Miller
Livestock emit 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions each year. Most of that is from cows.Marley Walker

Examples of greenhouse gas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In the meantime, concerned citizens should contact their members of Congress at 202-224-3121 and urge them to support legislation to protect Americans from harmful greenhouse gases and hold polluters accountable. Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 The company aims to reach net-zero on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 23 Feb. 2026 The repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2009 endangerment finding effectively terminates the greenhouse gas standards that governed automakers for more than a decade and a half. Julian Torres, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026 The plants are also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. Michael Phillis, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for greenhouse gas

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greenhouse gas was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Greenhouse gas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenhouse%20gas. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

greenhouse gas

noun
: any of various gases (as carbon dioxide or methane) that absorb infrared radiation, trap heat in the atmosphere, and contribute to the greenhouse effect
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