pollutant
noun
pol·lut·ant
pə-ˈlü-tᵊnt 
plural pollutants
: something that pollutes
especially
: something (such as waste created by human activity) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use
sources of pollutants [=pollution] in the environment
Meanwhile, scientists warned that other air pollutants—especially from automobiles—might also be contributing to health problems, forest damage and decreased crop production. —
National Wildlife
National Wildlife Formaldehyde is an important atmospheric pollutant that can be produced in photochemical smog. —Des W. Connell
Des W. Connell A 165-foot cement tower contains radium-rich blends that have given off radon gas—a pollutant that can cause cancer. —Michael H. Brown
Michael H. Brown Examples of pollutant in a Sentence
filtered the pollutants out of the water
Recent Examples on the Web
The update reflects the state’s evolving understanding of its most dangerous pollutants, which has shifted over the decades from visible pollutants, such as smog, to more invisible ones that cause cancer, heart disease and other health harms.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Although the highest level fan was a little loud, the air purifier was effective at quickly getting rid of the scents and pollutants quickly.
—Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2026
Instead of semi-trailer rigs spewing air pollutants while idling at the warehouses, data centers pull enormous amounts of electricity, housing computer systems that help train artificial intelligence criteria.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Ozone forms at its highest concentrations on warm, sunny days with light winds and low relative humidity, which allow more of the pollutant to form and accumulate, according to the TECQ.
—Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pollutant
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Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Although the highest level fan was a little loud, the air purifier was effective at quickly getting rid of the scents and pollutants quickly.
—Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2026
Instead of semi-trailer rigs spewing air pollutants while idling at the warehouses, data centers pull enormous amounts of electricity, housing computer systems that help train artificial intelligence criteria.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Ozone forms at its highest concentrations on warm, sunny days with light winds and low relative humidity, which allow more of the pollutant to form and accumulate, according to the TECQ.
—Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pollutant
Cite this Entry
“Pollutant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollutant. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pollutant
noun
pol·lut·ant
pə-ˈlüt-ᵊnt
: something that pollutes
Medical Definition
pollutant
noun
pol·lut·ant
pə-ˈlüt-ᵊnt
: something that pollutes
especially
: something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use
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