greenhouse gas

noun

: any of various gaseous compounds (such as carbon dioxide or methane) that absorb infrared radiation, trap heat in the atmosphere, and contribute to the greenhouse effect

Water vapor is an important gas for the study of climate and weather because of its role as a natural greenhouse gas as well as its relationship to clouds and precipitation.

—Mohi Kumar

Scientists now recognize tropospheric ozone—a component of smog—as a greenhouse gas as well as an eye and lung irritant.

—Science News

While it may not be possible to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions, it is possible to offset some of the emissions that do still occur. Offsetting involves supporting projects that reduce or sequester greenhouse gas emissions in another location.

—Tyson Miller

Livestock emit 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions each year. Most of that is from cows.

—Marley Walker

Examples of greenhouse gas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

New York, for instance, set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 40 percent by 2030, and 85 percent by 2050. —Matt Simon / Grist, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024

EVs are intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. —Bill Koenig, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Tourism accounts for around eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations, most of which is attributed to transportation. —Chris Morris, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024

Since 2016, the city has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 28% and is on track to reach 65% by 2030. —Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

greenhouse gas

noun

: any of various gases (as carbon dioxide or methane) that absorb infrared radiation, trap heat in the atmosphere, and contribute to the greenhouse effect