emission
noun
emis·sion ē-ˈmi-shən 
1
a
: an act or instance of emitting : emanation
b
archaic : publication
c
: a putting into circulation
2
a
: something sent forth by emitting: such as
(1)
: electromagnetic radiation from an antenna or a celestial body
(2)
usually emissions : substances discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile engine)
b
Examples of emission in a Sentence
trying to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases
Recent Examples on the Web
But platinum and palladium play a critical role in reducing harmful exhaust emissions. —
Sharon Wu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026 It is expected to run more than 90 percent of its towing and docking operations with zero emissions. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 The team suggests that photochemistry and photophysics — chemistry and physics driven by light emissions — likely influences how those environments are shaped, but understanding just how will require more study. —Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026 By Olivia Raimonde, Bloomberg Major corporations are pushing back against a possible tightening of emissions reporting standards that would have implications for the clean energy transition in years to come. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emission
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.
Sharon Wu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026 It is expected to run more than 90 percent of its towing and docking operations with zero emissions. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 The team suggests that photochemistry and photophysics — chemistry and physics driven by light emissions — likely influences how those environments are shaped, but understanding just how will require more study. —Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026 By Olivia Raimonde, Bloomberg Major corporations are pushing back against a possible tightening of emissions reporting standards that would have implications for the clean energy transition in years to come. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emission
Cite this Entry
“Emission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/emission. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
emission
noun
emis·sion ē-ˈmish-ən
1
: an act or instance of emitting
2
: something emitted or discharged
Medical Definition
emission
noun
emis·sion ē-ˈmish-ən
1
: an act or instance of emitting
2
a
: something sent forth by emitting: as
(1)
: electrons discharged from a surface
(2)
: electromagnetic waves radiated by an antenna or a celestial body
(3)
: substances and especially pollutants discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile gasoline engine)
b
: a discharge of fluid from a living body
especially : ejaculate
see nocturnal emission
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