pollution
noun
pol·lu·tion
pə-ˈlü-shən 
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
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
Anthony DePalma2
: 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
Environmental factors such as air pollution and diet contribute to chronic health conditions, but Kennedy has pushed unfounded claims around certain food ingredients and minerals.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Together, the chemical reaction inside the kiln and the fuel used for heat produces the bulk of the carbon pollution.
—Lara Williams, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024
States are positioning themselves to attract as much of this investment into their communities and economies as possible, while reducing pollution that harms the air and the climate.
—Mindy Lubber, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Knowing this, Arizona medical doctors and nurses joined together to share a message about the importance of supporting climate action at the polls this year for the well-being of residents exposed to some of the nation's highest temperatures, worst air pollution and most dire drought conditions.
—Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pollution 
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Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Together, the chemical reaction inside the kiln and the fuel used for heat produces the bulk of the carbon pollution.
—Lara Williams, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024
States are positioning themselves to attract as much of this investment into their communities and economies as possible, while reducing pollution that harms the air and the climate.
—Mindy Lubber, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Knowing this, Arizona medical doctors and nurses joined together to share a message about the importance of supporting climate action at the polls this year for the well-being of residents exposed to some of the nation's highest temperatures, worst air pollution and most dire drought conditions.
—Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pollution
Dictionary Entries Near pollution
Cite this Entry
“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollution. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pollution
noun
pol·lu·tion
pə-ˈlü-shən
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
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
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