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
That is due to urbanization, land disturbance, tourism, habitat destruction, air pollution, erosion and a loss of wetlands.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
For example, the issue could relate to climate change, pollution, human rights, education, activism, accessibility for marginalized groups, physical or mental health, citizenship, or governance.
—Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Elsewhere, however, the administration is eliminating pollution regulations and promoting the use of high-pollution fuels, such as coal.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
The administration's supercomputers are also uniquely suited to model the evolution of the atmosphere's response to the rising concentrations of satellite air pollution particles, as well as compounds found in rocket engine exhaust.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollution
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Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
For example, the issue could relate to climate change, pollution, human rights, education, activism, accessibility for marginalized groups, physical or mental health, citizenship, or governance.
—Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Elsewhere, however, the administration is eliminating pollution regulations and promoting the use of high-pollution fuels, such as coal.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
The administration's supercomputers are also uniquely suited to model the evolution of the atmosphere's response to the rising concentrations of satellite air pollution particles, as well as compounds found in rocket engine exhaust.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollution
Cite this Entry
“Pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollution. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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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