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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If global greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate, Earth’s ice sheets are vulnerable to even more massive rapid ice loss that could substantially raise sea levels. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 May 2025 This achievement contributed to a 92% reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Simon Mainwaring, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 Buried in the release was the news that California’s greenhouse gas emissions have been down 20% since 2000, which Newsom’s office has attributed to an increase in renewable fuels and electric vehicle sales. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025 State, province and local governments often have jurisdiction over energy generation, land-use planning, housing policies and waste management, all of which play a role in increasing or reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Mary Nichols, The Conversation, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for greenhouse gas

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greenhouse gas was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Greenhouse gas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenhouse%20gas. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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