smog

noun

ˈsmäg 

ˈsmȯg

: a fog made heavier and darker by smoke and chemical fumes

also : a photochemical haze caused by the action of solar ultraviolet radiation on atmosphere polluted with hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen especially from automobile exhaust

smogless

ˈsmä-gləs 

ˈsmȯ-

adjective

Synonyms

• brume
• fog
• gauze
• haze
• mist
• murk
• reek
• soup

Examples of smog in a Sentence

the city's smog was once so bad that darkness often prevailed, even at noon

Recent Examples on the Web

The Taj Mahal, India’s famed monument of love, has been obscured by toxic smog for nearly a week. —Reuters, NBC News, 19 Nov. 2024

Reuters Toxic smog engulfed much of northern India on Monday and pollution readings in New Delhi hit their highest of this pre-winter season, after dense fog overnight. —Tanvi Mehta, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024

The opposite is also true — delaying action on climate change comes with health risks from the soot and smog that come from burning fossil fuels. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 6 Nov. 2024

Nitrogen dioxide, a lung-irritating gas and component of smog, is nearly inescapable as it is produced by the burning of fossil fuels. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

smoke + fog

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing smog

• anti-smog

Kids Definition

smog

noun

ˈsmäg 

 also  ˈsmȯg

: a thick haze caused by the action of sunlight on air polluted especially by smoke and automobile exhaust fumes

Etymology

from smoke and fog

Medical Definition

smog

noun

ˈsmäg also ˈsmȯg

: a fog made heavier and darker by smoke and chemical fumes

also : a photochemical haze caused by the action of solar ultraviolet radiation on atmosphere polluted with hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen especially from automobile exhaust