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

Remember to service any appliances in your home that emit gas. Clean and check your chimneys every year. —Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024

Operators on the ground in Germany and occupied France would emit long, narrow bands of radio signals over British skies: The target factory or town could be found where the two beams coincided. —Justin Ling, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024

Having an alarm like the She’s Birdie device that emits a loud sound when the pin is pulled could deter an intruder. —Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2024

The hot, dry air these vents emit throughout the day can damage or warp certain items, cause food spoilage, and turn flammable items placed near heat vents into fire hazards. —Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 20 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