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
The move was largely symbolic — such trade is relatively minimal — but demonstrated the worsening of their ties: Brussels is reportedly pressuring Beijing to raise its target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions ahead of this month’s meeting.
—semafor.com, 8 July 2025
Overall, the climate is now 1.3 degrees Celsius warmer than before humans started burning fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases that trap heat within the atmosphere.
—Denise Hruby
july 7, Miami Herald, 7 July 2025
Both are potent greenhouse gases that significantly contribute to climate change.
—David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The latest version of this effort, Senate Bill 684 and Assembly Bill 1243 — known as the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act — would require the largest oil and gas companies doing business in the state to pay their fair share of the damages caused by planet-warming greenhouse gases.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for greenhouse gas
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semafor.com, 8 July 2025
Overall, the climate is now 1.3 degrees Celsius warmer than before humans started burning fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases that trap heat within the atmosphere.
—Denise Hruby
july 7, Miami Herald, 7 July 2025
Both are potent greenhouse gases that significantly contribute to climate change.
—David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The latest version of this effort, Senate Bill 684 and Assembly Bill 1243 — known as the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act — would require the largest oil and gas companies doing business in the state to pay their fair share of the damages caused by planet-warming greenhouse gases.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
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 16 Jul. 2025.
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