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 dashboard collects information on energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, waste management, workforce demographics and renewable-energy installations. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

However, to follow such a pathway, global greenhouse gas emissions would need to be slashed by far more than anything currently on the table at the upcoming COP31 talks. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Gas and coal power plants also emit air pollutants and the greenhouse gases causing climate change, leading to more health costs. — Justine Calma, The Verge, 19 Oct. 2026

Cutting greenhouse gas emissions remains important because continued ocean warming could intensify ice loss beyond the changes already set in motion. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for greenhouse gas

• bermudagrass
• ecclesiastes
• alas
• amass
• bromegrass
• bypass
• 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