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
Mohi KumarScientists now recognize tropospheric ozone—a component of smog—as a greenhouse gas as well as an eye and lung irritant.—Science News
Science NewsWhile 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
Tyson MillerLivestock emit 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions each year. Most of that is from cows.—Marley Walker
Marley WalkerExamples of greenhouse gas in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The agency moved to limit the greenhouse gases from automobiles and power plants that scientists say are dangerously heating the planet.
—Lisa Friedman, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
The Rockies began with a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and alongside WM took a deep dive into essentially everything else, from Coors Field to fan travel to team travel and more.
—Candace Oehler, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The Supreme Court has previously acknowledged greenhouse gas emissions are a global phenomenon and therefore are subject to regulation under federal, not state, law — particularly under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.
—Christopher B. Summers, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2025
The intrigue: Germany has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and 88% below 1990 levels by 2040.
—Andrew Freedman, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for greenhouse gas
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.
Lisa Friedman, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
The Rockies began with a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and alongside WM took a deep dive into essentially everything else, from Coors Field to fan travel to team travel and more.
—Candace Oehler, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The Supreme Court has previously acknowledged greenhouse gas emissions are a global phenomenon and therefore are subject to regulation under federal, not state, law — particularly under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.
—Christopher B. Summers, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2025
The intrigue: Germany has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and 88% below 1990 levels by 2040.
—Andrew Freedman, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for greenhouse gas
Cite this Entry
“Greenhouse gas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenhouse%20gas. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share