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 denim manufacturer also cut its greenhouse gas emissions per meter by 20 percent, water consumption per meter by 9 percent and waste generation per meter by 25 percent. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

In recent years, the project was getting a quarter of the revenue from the state auctioning greenhouse gas permits, about $1 billion per year. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

One study estimated that the industry nationwide produces greenhouse gas emissions roughly equal to 10 million cars, or as much as all other crops combined, and greater than that of cryptocurrency mining. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Xcel is trying to reduce its reliance on coal as part of Colorado’s overall plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which fuel climate change and global warming. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 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