emitted; emitting

transitive verb

1
a
: to throw or give off or out
emit light/heat
b
: to send out : eject
2
a
: to issue with authority
especially : to put (something, such as money) into circulation
b
obsolete : publish
3
: to give utterance or voice to
emitted a groan
emitter noun

Examples of emit in a Sentence

The telescope can detect light emitted by distant galaxies. chimneys emitting thick, black smoke The brakes emitted a loud squeal.
Recent Examples on the Web Like electric aircraft, the Sirius Business Jet will emit zero carbon emissions but will boast a much longer range and top speed. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 Even compared to a plug-in hybrid, an EV emits 2.8 times less pollution in California. Angela Dewan, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 Ban any lights in the blue spectrum from the bedroom, such as those emitted by electronic devices like televisions, smartphones, tablets and laptops. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 These devices may emit carbon dioxide (going back to the earlier tip to make sure your detectors are ready to go). Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 This process can rapidly emit more light than an entire galaxy’s worth of stars and crushes the solar-mass core into a city-sized ultradense sphere—a neutron star. Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 23 Feb. 2024 While fossils typically don’t emit colors under ultraviolet light, Rossi said the reptile’s body appeared yellow — a color often associated with paint. Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 The starter set comes with three books from the Golden Books line and a Poky Little Puppy character, which emits additional light effects when the projector is in night-light mode. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 20 Feb. 2024 Yes; the sun emitted two strong solar flares Wednesday and Thursday, according to NASA. John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin emittere to send out, from e- + mittere to send

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of emit was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near emit

Cite this Entry

“Emit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emit. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

emit

verb
emitted; emitting
1
a
: to throw or give off or out
emit light
b
: to send out : eject
2
: utter entry 2 sense 1
emit a groan
Etymology

from Latin emittere "to send out," from e-, ex- "out, forth" and mittere "to send, throw" — related to dismiss, message, missile, transmit

More from Merriam-Webster on emit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!