English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

gas

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈɡæs/ UK /ɡˈæs/ gas UK spelling gas's, gas's, gases

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Science

    n.a substance like air that is not a solid or a liquid.

    n.a substance in a physical state of matter characterized by low density and the ability to expand indefinitely.

    Simple

    Oxygen is a gas that humans need to breathe to stay alive.

    In context

    The experiment demonstrates how the volume of a gas increases when the temperature rises while pressure remains constant.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.a substance burned as fuel for heating houses or cooking food.

    n.natural gas or a similar gaseous fuel used as a utility for domestic or industrial energy.

    Simple

    I prefer cooking with gas because it is easier to control the heat.

    In context

    The utility company sent a technician to investigate a possible leak in the main gas line outside the apartment complex.

    fuelnatural gas
  3. 03 A2 Elementary American English

    n.a liquid fuel used to power cars and other vehicles.

    n.a liquid petroleum derivative used as fuel in internal combustion engines; an ellipsis of 'gasoline'.

    Simple

    We should stop at the next station because the car is almost out of gas.

    In context

    Rising gas prices have prompted many commuters to consider switching to electric vehicles or using public transportation.

    Pitfall
    I need to buy some petrol for my car in New York. I need to buy some gas for my car in New York.

    In American English, use 'gas'; 'petrol' is the British English equivalent.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Medicine

    n.air that builds up in your stomach or bubbles out of your body.

    n.intestinal or stomach flatus produced during the digestive process.

    Simple

    Certain foods like beans can give you gas and make you feel bloated.

    In context

    The patient complained of abdominal discomfort and persistent gas following the dietary changes recommended by the nutritionist.

    flatulencewind
  5. 05 C1 Advanced InformalBritish EnglishDialect

    n.a person or an event that is very funny or entertaining.

    n.an entertaining or humorous person, situation, or experience.

    Simple

    The party last night was a total gas; we didn't stop laughing.

    In context

    The local comedy night proved to be a real gas, featuring several up-and-coming performers who kept the audience engaged for hours.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    v.to attack or kill someone using poisonous gas.

    v.to expose a person or animal to poisonous gas with the intent to injure or kill.

    Simple

    The soldiers were warned that the enemy might try to gas them during the night.

    In context

    Historical accounts detail the horrific consequences when troops were gassed in the trenches during the First World War.

    poisonasphyxiate
  7. 07 C2 Proficiency InformalBritish English

    v.to talk for a long time about things that are not important.

    v.to engage in idle, boastful, or empty conversation for an extended period.

    Simple

    They spent the whole afternoon gassing about their old school days.

    In context

    The neighbors stood by the garden fence for nearly an hour, gassing away about local gossip and the upcoming village festival.

  8. 08 C1 Advanced InformalDialect

    adj.very funny or strange in an entertaining way.

    adj.comical, amusing, or zany in nature.

    Simple

    He is a gas man; he always has a funny story to tell.

    In context

    It was gas to see the look on his face when he realized we were all in on the joke.

    Usage

    Common in Irish English to describe a funny person or situation.

Usage gas emissions · natural gas · gas exports

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated