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 most visible impact is electricity use, which can translate into greenhouse gas emissions depending on when and where the power is consumed. — Bridget Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

The wildfires in Canada’s boreal forests are burning with greater size and intensity because of climate change, as greenhouse gas emissions from human use of fossil fuels continue to drive global warming. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

But county officials conclude that economic benefits must be weighed against mounting concerns over electricity demand, water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, noise and community impacts. — Brian Carlton, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2026

Excess greenhouse gas emissions generally cause illness less directly by contributing to the climate crisis. — Rebecca Florsheim, STAT, 17 July 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