English Reference
Verb

emit

v.
C1 Advanced US /ɪˈmɪt/ UK /ɪmˈɪt/ emit UK spelling emits, emitted, emitting Programming

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

v.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.


SIMPLE

The old factory continues to emit thick black smoke.

CONTEXTUAL

The device is designed to emit a high-frequency signal that only certain sensors can detect.

COMPLEX

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

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

UV radiation is emitted by the Sun and penetrates the Earth's atmosphere.

BBC News· 22 Jun 2026

Ovens and cookers emit a lot of heat into the home during and after their use.

BBC News· 22 Jun 2026

Common in science writing


From Latin ēmittō.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin ēmittō
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated