emission

noun

emis·​sion ē-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce emission (audio)
1
a
: an act or instance of emitting : emanation
b
archaic : publication
c
: a putting into circulation
2
a
: something sent forth by emitting: such as
(1)
: electromagnetic radiation from an antenna or a celestial body
(2)
usually emissions : substances discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile engine)
b
emissive adjective

Examples of emission in a Sentence

trying to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
China’s surge in renewables and electrification is starting to shrink its greenhouse gas emissions while creating the conditions for other countries to move away from fossil fuel use, according to a recent analysis by the think tank Ember. Alex Wang, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025 Shipping emissions have grown to about 3% of the global total, prompting calls for action. Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 The coalition would begin by setting a unified carbon price for four key industrial sectors — steel, aluminum, cement, and fertilizers — which together account for around 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Tarciana Medeiros, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 The shipping industry would have paid the tax into a fund created by the IMO, to encourage emissions reductions and raise funds for climate action. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emission

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of emission was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emission. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

emission

noun
emis·​sion ē-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce emission (audio)
1
: an act or instance of emitting
2
: something emitted or discharged
emissive adjective

Medical Definition

emission

noun
emis·​sion ē-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce emission (audio)
1
: an act or instance of emitting
2
a
: something sent forth by emitting: as
(1)
: electrons discharged from a surface
(2)
: electromagnetic waves radiated by an antenna or a celestial body
(3)
: substances and especially pollutants discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile gasoline engine)
b
: a discharge of fluid from a living body
especially : ejaculate see nocturnal emission
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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