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
Electricity from batteries — which emit no greenhouse gases — can offset power that would otherwise be supplied by fossil fuel generation such as natural gas, while also enhancing grid reliability during those hours.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
The utility has already been under pressure to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas that emit planet-warming greenhouse gases.
—ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
That denial of reality — rooted in ignorance and contempt for science — is now official policy, as evidenced by the EPA’s rescinding of its landmark finding that greenhouse gases harm public health.
—James Speyer, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Data center critics worry that the development boom could increase natural gas use, affecting the transition to wind, solar and other renewable sources and slowing goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026
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.
Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
The utility has already been under pressure to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas that emit planet-warming greenhouse gases.
—ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
That denial of reality — rooted in ignorance and contempt for science — is now official policy, as evidenced by the EPA’s rescinding of its landmark finding that greenhouse gases harm public health.
—James Speyer, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Data center critics worry that the development boom could increase natural gas use, affecting the transition to wind, solar and other renewable sources and slowing goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026
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 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
