natural gas

noun

1
: gas issuing from the earth's crust through natural openings or bored wells
especially : a combustible mixture of methane and other hydrocarbons used chiefly as a fuel and raw material
2
: gas manufactured from organic matter (such as coal)

Examples of natural gas in a Sentence

a house heated by natural gas
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.
While this might appear laudable, the reality is that Mexico could do much more but political constraints have hindered natural gas development for many years. Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Significant natural gas potential Alaska’s gas reserves are significant. Brett Watson, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025 With domestic natural gas running short, coastal states were preparing to build import terminals to bring gas from abroad. Umair Irfan, Vox, 23 Apr. 2025 Experts say the trend is fueled by the emergence of cheap natural gas and increasing competition from renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Jeremy Cox, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for natural gas

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of natural gas was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Natural gas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20gas. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

natural gas

noun
: gas that comes from the earth's crust through natural openings or bored wells
especially : a flammable mixture of hydrocarbons and especially methane used chiefly as a fuel and raw material

More from Merriam-Webster on natural gas

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!