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

Mining and metals accounted for roughly 11% of global scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, with a large majority originating from Asia, highlighting the sector’s role as both a major emitter and a linchpin of the clean energy transition. —Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026

If passed, the bill would stop the group from setting targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026

While there is consensus that greenhouse gas emissions have caused the planet to heat up since pre-industrial times, that warming had been steady for decades. —Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

To expand its reach, OCA is broadening its impact focus beyond farmer income to include climate and nature outcomes such as soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity and water stewardship. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for greenhouse gas

• bermudagrass
• alas
• amass
• bromegrass
• bypass
• chagas
• 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