: a colorless odorless flammable gaseous hydrocarbon CH4 that is a product of biological decomposition of organic matter and of the carbonization of coal, is used as a fuel and as a starting material in chemical synthesis, and is the simplest of the alkanes
Examples of methane in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Babis wants European leaders to reconsider the timing of implementing a landmark EU regulation tackling methane emissions in fossil fuel imports, according to a letter published on the Czech government website.
—
Ewa Krukowska, Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2026
In addition, Vermont has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per capita and the third-lowest methane emissions.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
Funds could support methane abatement, infrastructure to ameliorate floods and rising temperatures, and assistance for regions dependent on fossil fuels — without waiting decades for litigation to wind through the courts.
—Nicolas S. Rohatyn, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
An satellite analysis of 12 urban areas, including New York City and Los Angeles, found up to 80% more methane emissions than previously thought, according to ABC reporter Julia Jacobo.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for methane
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.
Ewa Krukowska, Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2026
In addition, Vermont has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per capita and the third-lowest methane emissions.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
Funds could support methane abatement, infrastructure to ameliorate floods and rising temperatures, and assistance for regions dependent on fossil fuels — without waiting decades for litigation to wind through the courts.
—Nicolas S. Rohatyn, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
An satellite analysis of 12 urban areas, including New York City and Los Angeles, found up to 80% more methane emissions than previously thought, according to ABC reporter Julia Jacobo.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for methane
Cite this Entry
“Methane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methane. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
methane
noun
meth·ane
ˈmeth-ˌān 
: a colorless odorless flammable gas that consists of carbon and hydrogen and is produced by decay of organic matter
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
