methane

noun

meth·​ane ˈme-ˌthān 

British usually ˈmē-

: 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

Tens of thousands of unproductive and unplugged oil wells have been abandoned across California — many of which continue to leak potentially explosive methane or toxic benzene. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026

Skiing on nitrogen or methane ice would feel rigid and brittle, and make for an unpleasant experience. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026

The presence of a large methane-leaking cold seep raises its own set of questions for those tracking the intersection of ocean ecosystems and climate. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026

The Obama administration’s scientific review and adoption of the greenhouse gas endangerment rule in 2009 formed the basis for using the Clean Air Act to regulate carbon dioxide, methane and other planet-warming gases. —Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methane

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids 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

Medical Definition

methane

noun

meth·​ane

ˈmeth-ˌān, British usually ˈmē-ˌthān

: a colorless, odorless, flammable, gaseous hydrocarbon CH₄ that is lighter than air, forms explosive mixtures with air or oxygen, and occurs naturally as a by-product of the decomposition of organic matter by anaerobic bacteria

called also marsh gas