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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Total greenhouse gas emissions peaked nationally and in California in 2007. Wayne Winegarden, Oc Register, 1 Feb. 2026 Rising sea levels and an increase in ocean temperatures, caused by greenhouse gas emissions, fuel more powerful storms. Maleena Muzio, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026 In China, Turkey and Pakistan, electric carbon intensity is lower than the EECI in both Tiers 1 and 2, signaling that the countries’ factories are decreasing their greenhouse gas emission intensity by electrifying their energy use. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026 Coal and other fossil fuels release greenhouse gases that trap heat close to the Earth and cause global warming. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 29 Jan. 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 5 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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