emit

verb

ē-ˈmit 

emitted; emitting

transitive verb

1

a

: to throw or give off or out

emit light/heat

b

: to send out : eject

2

a

: to issue with authority

especially : to put (something, such as money) into circulation

b

obsolete : publish

3

: to give utterance or voice to

emitted a groan

emitter noun

Synonyms

• cast
• discharge
• emanate
• evolve
• exhale
• expel
• expire [archaic]
• give out
• irradiate
• issue
• radiate
• release
• send (out)
• shoot
• throw out
• vent

Examples of emit in a Sentence

The telescope can detect light emitted by distant galaxies.

chimneys emitting thick, black smoke

The brakes emitted a loud squeal.

Recent Examples on the Web

Data centers and transmission networks worldwide are already responsible for emitting as much carbon dioxide annually as Brazil, according to the IEA, and that number is expected to rise as AI use grows. —Heiko Claussen, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Eyewitness reports, social media videos and officials confirm the drones are up to 6 feet in diameter, can quickly go from emitting eerie lights to no light at all and often avoid detection. —Sophia Pargas, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024

This conclusion was reached thanks to new data about the accelerations of nearby pulsars—rapidly spinning neutron stars that emit beams of radiation that sweep out through space light the beacon of a lighthouse. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Even rising temperatures can have this effect on intact habitats by increasing the activity of microbes and speeding the breakdown of organic matter in waterlogged soil, which emits methane. —Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin emittere to send out, from e- + mittere to send

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing emit

• re-emit

Kids Definition

emit

verb

ē-ˈmit 

emitted; emitting

1

a

: to throw or give off or out

emit light

b

: to send out : eject

2

: utter entry 2 sense 1

emit a groan

Etymology

from Latin emittere "to send out," from e-, ex- "out, forth" and mittere "to send, throw" — related to dismiss, message, missile, transmit