pollutant
noun
pol·lut·ant
pə-ˈlü-tᵊnt 
plural pollutants
: something that pollutes
especially
: something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use
sources of pollutants [=pollution] in the environment
Meanwhile, scientists warned that other air pollutants—especially from automobiles—might also be contributing to health problems, forest damage and decreased crop production. —
National Wildlife
National Wildlife Formaldehyde is an important atmospheric pollutant that can be produced in photochemical smog. —Des W. Connell
Des W. Connell A 165-foot cement tower contains radium-rich blends that have given off radon gas—a pollutant that can cause cancer. —Michael H. Brown
Michael H. Brown Examples of pollutant in a Sentence
filtered the pollutants out of the water
Recent Examples on the Web
People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly, those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and anyone who is working hard outdoors.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Unhealthy ozone levels form when pollutants from factories, cars or any sort of internal combustion engine react with the sun, Quigley said.
—Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
With a proprietary complex scientifically shown to repair broken bonds, this antioxidant-rich, silicone-free serum protects against heat damage as well as environmental pollutants and free radicals.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 July 2025
Offer Anti-Aging Properties Antioxidants in chia seeds benefit skin health by protecting the body from pollutants and irritants known as free radicals.3 Over time, unstable free radical molecules can damage cells and contribute to aging.
—Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollutant
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James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Unhealthy ozone levels form when pollutants from factories, cars or any sort of internal combustion engine react with the sun, Quigley said.
—Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
With a proprietary complex scientifically shown to repair broken bonds, this antioxidant-rich, silicone-free serum protects against heat damage as well as environmental pollutants and free radicals.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 July 2025
Offer Anti-Aging Properties Antioxidants in chia seeds benefit skin health by protecting the body from pollutants and irritants known as free radicals.3 Over time, unstable free radical molecules can damage cells and contribute to aging.
—Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pollutant
Cite this Entry
“Pollutant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollutant. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pollutant
noun
pol·lut·ant
pə-ˈlüt-ᵊnt
: something that pollutes
Medical Definition
pollutant
noun
pol·lut·ant
pə-ˈlüt-ᵊnt
: something that pollutes
especially
: something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use
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