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

The aviation industry is responsible for 3% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, a number that’s growing fast amid increasing demand for air travel. —Megan Wollerton, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026

Muller tracked data centers’ electricity needs last year and found how much air pollution and additional planet-warming greenhouse gases local grids generated to supply that demand. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026

Scientists in South Korea have discovered a way to transform pollution into power by introducing a new type of gas battery that converts greenhouse gases into usable electricity. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026

The plan details various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at key facilities such as the Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles International Airport, as well as establishes methods to lower water use. —Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for greenhouse gas

• bermudagrass
• alas
• amass
• bromegrass
• bypass
• chagas
• crabgrass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass

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