pollution

noun

pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce pollution (audio)
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
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.
In legal filings, the companies argue that air and water pollution are regulated at the federal level and they can't be challenged in state courts. John Frank, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025 There are also concerns about the environmental impact of penny production, given the carbon dioxide emissions, pollution and energy use associated with mining their main ingredients, zinc and copper. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 10 Feb. 2025 While the cause remains unknown, experts believe pollution from companies exploiting natural resources could be to blame. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 Corporate pressure on the EPA was considerable under Biden as his administration attempted to tackle climate pollution. Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pollution 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollution was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pollution

Cite this Entry

“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollution. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

pollution

noun
pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce pollution (audio)
1
: the action of polluting : the state of being polluted
air pollution
compare noise pollution, thermal pollution
2

Medical Definition

pollution

noun
pol·​lu·​tion pə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce pollution (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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