pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: the action of polluting

especially : the action of making an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use by introducing chemical or manufacturing waste

Abandoned mining and milling operations are already implicated in pollution of the river with toxic and radioactive waste products …

—Larry Brown

b

: the condition of being polluted

A three-year study … has indicated that the lake already is suffering from severe pollution and that any additional development will exacerbate it.

—Anthony DePalma

2

: something that pollutes

especially : something (such as chemical or manufacturing waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use

tested the levels of pollution [=pollutants] in the water

Examples of pollution in a Sentence

industrial practices that have caused pollution of the air and water

The tests showed high levels of pollution in the water.

The fish are dying of pollution.

Recent Examples on the Web

Past projects aimed at reducing Snake River pollution serve as proof of the concept that water quality can be improved, Johnson said. — Hannah Smith updated July 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2026

Nearly 90% of respondents are concerned, and 71% view plastic pollution as an urgent ocean threat, primarily due to harm to marine life. — Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

In Georgia, air permits are required before construction of any facility that can generate air pollution can begin. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 8 July 2026

The study points to the decades-long shift toward the use of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and elastane in the textile industry and how the use of those fibers has contributed to microfiber pollution in the environment. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pollution

• light pollution
• noise pollution
• thermal pollution

Rhymes for pollution

• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian
• dilution
• elution
• locution
• solution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution

Kids Definition

pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

: the action of polluting : the state of being polluted

air pollution

compare noise pollution, thermal pollution

2

: pollutant

Medical Definition

pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

: the action of polluting or the condition of being polluted

2

: something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use : pollutant