sulfur dioxide

noun

: a heavy pungent toxic gas SO2 that is easily condensed to a colorless liquid, is used especially in making sulfuric acid, in bleaching, as a preservative, and as a refrigerant, and is a major air pollutant especially in industrial areas

Examples of sulfur dioxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The gargantuan coal burner, built during the early to mid-1970s, became the nation’s largest source of sulfur dioxide, which creates acid rain and lung-damaging soot. Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 According to Citizens’ Climate Lobby, burning fossil fuels releases a mix of harmful pollutants including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter that contribute to global warming, smog, acid rain, and severe respiratory illnesses. Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Warm, wet worlds like Earth have very little sulfur dioxide in their atmospheres. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 21 Feb. 2025 Primary hazards include high levels of volcanic gases—predominantly water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for sulfur dioxide

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sulfur dioxide was in 1869

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sulfur dioxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulfur%20dioxide. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sulfur dioxide

noun
: a heavy strong-smelling gas that is used especially in making sulfuric acid, in bleaching, in preserving things, and as a refrigerant and that is a major substance in air pollution especially in industrial areas

Medical Definition

sulfur dioxide

noun
: a heavy pungent toxic gas SO2 that is easily condensed to a colorless liquid, is used especially in making sulfuric acid, in bleaching, as a preservative, and as a refrigerant, and is a major air pollutant especially in industrial areas

More from Merriam-Webster on sulfur dioxide

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!