pollutant

noun

pol·​lut·​ant pə-ˈlü-tᵊnt How to pronounce pollutant (audio)
plural pollutants
: something that pollutes
especially : something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use
sources of pollutants [=pollution] in the environment
Meanwhile, scientists warned that other air pollutants—especially from automobiles—might also be contributing to health problems, forest damage and decreased crop production. National Wildlife
Formaldehyde is an important atmospheric pollutant that can be produced in photochemical smog. Des W. Connell
A 165-foot cement tower contains radium-rich blends that have given off radon gas—a pollutant that can cause cancer. Michael H. Brown

Examples of pollutant in a Sentence

filtered the pollutants out of the water
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.
Many of these pollutants can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress that can damage cells and tissues, ultimately resulting in health problems. Paul McClure 03, New Atlas, 3 June 2025 Older homes had natural air leakage that allowed indoor pollutants to escape and be replaced by fresh outdoor air. Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 The report attributed the symptoms to the high levels of pollutants — including, near Lybrook, hydrogen sulfide, a compound that gives off the sulfur smell that Amari associates with his headaches. Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025 Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country. Corey Williams, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pollutant

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollutant was in 1887

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pollutant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollutant. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

pollutant

noun
pol·​lut·​ant pə-ˈlüt-ᵊnt How to pronounce pollutant (audio)
: something that pollutes

Medical Definition

pollutant

noun
pol·​lut·​ant pə-ˈlüt-ᵊnt How to pronounce pollutant (audio)
: something that pollutes
especially : something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use

More from Merriam-Webster on pollutant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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