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 fires killed at least 27 people, triggered mass evacuations, blanketed the Los Angeles area in smoky smog and poor air quality, and sparked criticism over government preparedness. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 20 Jan. 2025

People like me who grew up in Southern California didn’t like the smog. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2025

As early as 2002, the Chinese government recognised that investing in electric mobility could give them a global advantage, as well as providing a solution for the relentless smog hanging over the country’s cities. —Jessica Bateman, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2025

Public health officials, politicians and activists began to investigate the causes and effects of the smog to prevent another deadly episode. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 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