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

Formaldehyde is an important atmospheric pollutant that can be produced in photochemical smog.

—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

Synonyms of pollutant

• contaminant
• contamination

Examples of pollutant in a Sentence

filtered the pollutants out of the water

Recent Examples on the Web

Managing environmental pollutants is an increasingly complex practice, with new sources and pollutant types emerging all the time. — Richard Marcantonio, The Conversation, 31 July 2026

That has raised concerns that pollutants could spread if the debris is not properly sorted and disposed of. — ABC News, 29 July 2026

With construction, egg masses buried beneath sand may not survive, and dredging can also release pollutants, including heavy metals, that could affect the iconic snail. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

Residents who want to check the air quality in their neighborhood can go to the Open Air Chicago map and click on a sensor nearest to their location to find readings on pollutants. — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pollutant

• disputant
• mutant

Kids 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