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
Mohi KumarScientists now recognize tropospheric ozone—a component of smog—as a greenhouse gas as well as an eye and lung irritant.—Science News
Science NewsWhile 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
Tyson MillerLivestock emit 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions each year. Most of that is from cows.—Marley Walker
Marley WalkerExamples of greenhouse gas in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In that study, researchers found that, from 1990 to 2010, about two-thirds of the world's glacier loss was due to rising temperatures from the burning of greenhouse gases, along with land-use changes.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Indiana’s role in greenhouse gas emissions Indiana’s greenhouse gas emissions — which come from compounds like carbon and methane — are hefty compared to similar states.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025
This method of marine carbon dioxide removal involves adding alkaline substances to the ocean to boost its natural ability to neutralize acids produced by greenhouse gases.
—ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025
Once more, Trump’s EPA is seeking to weaken current Air Quality Index standards, the numbers that decide what is good, moderate, or unhealthy air, along with repealing the regulations on emissions of greenhouse gases.
—Lisa Wood Shapiro, Wired News, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for greenhouse gas
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.
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Indiana’s role in greenhouse gas emissions Indiana’s greenhouse gas emissions — which come from compounds like carbon and methane — are hefty compared to similar states.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025
This method of marine carbon dioxide removal involves adding alkaline substances to the ocean to boost its natural ability to neutralize acids produced by greenhouse gases.
—ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025
Once more, Trump’s EPA is seeking to weaken current Air Quality Index standards, the numbers that decide what is good, moderate, or unhealthy air, along with repealing the regulations on emissions of greenhouse gases.
—Lisa Wood Shapiro, Wired News, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for greenhouse gas
Cite this Entry
“Greenhouse gas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenhouse%20gas. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share