pollutant
noun
pol·lut·ant
pə-ˈlü-tᵊnt 
plural pollutants
: something that pollutes
especially
: something (such as waste created by human acitivity) 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 devices enabled vehicles to far exceed legal limits for nitrogen oxides, a pollutant that can cause respiratory illnesses and contributes to smog.
—CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Recognized as a particularly pesky class of anthropogenic pollutants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can take root in land once given the opportunity, according to the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC).
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
Indoor air can hold pollutants just like outdoor air—even if your home looks clean.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
During the dawn and dusk, prime work times for farmworkers avoiding heat, cooler temperatures allow clouds of pollutants to drift downwards.
—Alonso Daboub, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollutant
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CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Recognized as a particularly pesky class of anthropogenic pollutants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can take root in land once given the opportunity, according to the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC).
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
Indoor air can hold pollutants just like outdoor air—even if your home looks clean.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
During the dawn and dusk, prime work times for farmworkers avoiding heat, cooler temperatures allow clouds of pollutants to drift downwards.
—Alonso Daboub, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollutant
Cite this Entry
“Pollutant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollutant. Accessed 29 Dec. 2025.
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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