# emit

/ɪˈmɪt/ (US) · /ɪmˈɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/emit
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to send out something like light, heat, sound, or a gas into the air.

For teachers: to produce and discharge something, especially gas, radiation, or signals, from a source. In technical contexts, it refers to the release of energy or information into the surrounding environment.

## Examples

- The old factory continues to emit thick black smoke.
- The device is designed to emit a high-frequency signal that only certain sensors can detect.
- While the sun emits a broad spectrum of radiation, the Earth's atmosphere filters out the most harmful ultraviolet rays before they reach the surface.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the substance or energy being released.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.