emit

verb

ē-ˈmit How to pronounce emit (audio)
emitted; emitting
Synonyms of emit

transitive verb

1
a
: to throw or give off or out
emit light/heat
b
: to send out : eject
2
a
: to issue with authority
especially : to put (something, such as money) into circulation
b
obsolete : publish
3
: to give utterance or voice to
emitted a groan
emitter noun

Synonyms of emit

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Examples of emit in a Sentence

The telescope can detect light emitted by distant galaxies. chimneys emitting thick, black smoke The brakes emitted a loud squeal.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then there could be optical disruption in which the quantum dots emit specific wavelengths of light under ambient conditions that insects instinctively dislike. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 Tanning beds can emit more than 10 times as much UV light as the sun. — Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 The observed rotation rates of galaxies are faster than expected, given the gravitational pull of the light-emitting matter contained in the galaxies. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 Greece’s firefighting department said Sunday the fire apparently began from sparks emitted by a faulty power line transporting electricity from a private wind generator facility to the main electricity network. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emit

Word History

Etymology

Latin emittere to send out, from e- + mittere to send

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of emit was in 1598

Phrases Containing emit

Rhymes for emit

See All Rhymes for emit

Browse Nearby Words

emissivity
emit
emittance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emit. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

emit

verb
ē-ˈmit How to pronounce emit (audio)
emitted; emitting
1
a
: to throw or give off or out
emit light
b
: to send out : eject
2
: utter entry 2 sense 1
emit a groan
Etymology

from Latin emittere "to send out," from e-, ex- "out, forth" and mittere "to send, throw" — related to dismiss, message, missile, transmit

More from Merriam-Webster on emit

Nglish: Translation of emit for Spanish Speakers

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