pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: the action of polluting

especially : the action of making an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use by introducing man-made waste

Abandoned mining and milling operations are already implicated in pollution of the river with toxic and radioactive waste products …

—Larry Brown

b

: the condition of being polluted

A three-year study … has indicated that the lake already is suffering from severe pollution and that any additional development will exacerbate it.

—Anthony DePalma

2

: something that pollutes

especially : something (such as man-made waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use

tested the levels of pollution [=pollutants] in the water

Examples of pollution in a Sentence

industrial practices that have caused pollution of the air and water

The tests showed high levels of pollution in the water.

The fish are dying of pollution.

Recent Examples on the Web

Environmental factors such as air pollution and diet contribute to chronic health conditions, but Kennedy has pushed unfounded claims around certain food ingredients and minerals. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

Together, the chemical reaction inside the kiln and the fuel used for heat produces the bulk of the carbon pollution. —Lara Williams, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024

States are positioning themselves to attract as much of this investment into their communities and economies as possible, while reducing pollution that harms the air and the climate. —Mindy Lubber, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Knowing this, Arizona medical doctors and nurses joined together to share a message about the importance of supporting climate action at the polls this year for the well-being of residents exposed to some of the nation's highest temperatures, worst air pollution and most dire drought conditions. —Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pollution

• light pollution
• noise pollution
• thermal pollution

Kids Definition

pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

: the action of polluting : the state of being polluted

air pollution

compare noise pollution, thermal pollution

2

: pollutant

Medical Definition

pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən 

1

: the action of polluting or the condition of being polluted

2

: something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use : pollutant