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gas

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈɡæs// UK //ɡˈæs// gas
  1. 1 state of matter (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The experiment demonstrates how the volume of a gas increases when the temperature rises while pressure remains constant.
  2. 2 fuel for heating or cooking (n.)
    A2 Elementary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The utility company sent a technician to investigate a possible leak in the main gas line outside the apartment complex.
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  1. 3 fuel for cars (n.)
    A2 Elementary American English

    a liquid fuel used to power cars and other vehicles.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.

  2. 4 digestive air (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

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

    intestinal or stomach flatus produced during the digestive process.

    Example

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

    Example

    The patient complained of abdominal discomfort and persistent gas following the dietary changes recommended by the nutritionist.
  3. 5 something funny (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal British English Dialect

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

    an entertaining or humorous person, situation, or experience.

    Example

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

    Example

    The local comedy night proved to be a real gas, featuring several up-and-coming performers who kept the audience engaged for hours.
  4. 6 to poison with gas (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    to attack or kill someone using poisonous gas.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Historical accounts detail the horrific consequences when troops were gassed in the trenches during the First World War.
  5. 7 to talk a lot (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal British English

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The neighbors stood by the garden fence for nearly an hour, gassing away about local gossip and the upcoming village festival.
  6. 8 funny or amusing (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Dialect

    very funny or strange in an entertaining way.

    comical, amusing, or zany in nature.

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
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