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

Brookhaven officials say trees play a critical role beyond aesthetics — helping produce oxygen, reduce carbon dioxide and other pollutants, and regulate temperatures in urban areas. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

Textile waste is a major global pollutant, with China as the leading contributor. —Tian MacLeod Ji, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026

The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table provides a relatively affordable way to eliminate airborne pollutants in rooms of up to 360 square feet. —John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026

The report notes that gas stoves can emit pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter, which may accumulate indoors if ventilation is inadequate. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 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