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

• radiate
• cast
• emanate
• release

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

In 2024, India emitted 3.3 billion metric tons, up 24% over the past decade. —Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

There’s frustration that despite warnings and actions, the world’s nations are still emitting more global-warming greenhouse gases, accelerating the impacts of climate change. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025

After warming up for about 40 seconds, this firework box emits a bright red plume while gyrating and spraying sparks from three horizontal streams. —Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025

Earthen and other natural materials emit relatively less greenhouse gases over their lifecycle, from extraction and transportation to assembly and disposal. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025

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

Rhymes for emit

• acquit
• admit
• amrit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit
• commit
• dalit
• dendrite
• illite
• misfit

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