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
Storm water can contain harmful pathogens and pollutants from overflowing sewage systems and animal feces flowing into storm drains.
—Jen Murphy, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
More immediately, emissions have consequences — just ask the Bronx residents that suffer from higher rates of asthma as a result of vehicle emissions in tandem with other pollutants.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
The coalition noted that current atmospheric conditions — including marine layer inversions and low winds — may be trapping pollutants at ground level, worsening exposure for residents.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Erb noted the installation of a baghouse to capture pollutants from the melt shop, upgrades to the furnace emissions collection system, ductwork, fans and installation of additional air monitoring technology.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pollutant
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Jen Murphy, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
More immediately, emissions have consequences — just ask the Bronx residents that suffer from higher rates of asthma as a result of vehicle emissions in tandem with other pollutants.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
The coalition noted that current atmospheric conditions — including marine layer inversions and low winds — may be trapping pollutants at ground level, worsening exposure for residents.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Erb noted the installation of a baghouse to capture pollutants from the melt shop, upgrades to the furnace emissions collection system, ductwork, fans and installation of additional air monitoring technology.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 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 3 Apr. 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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