natural gas

noun

1
: gas issuing from the earth's crust through natural openings or bored wells
especially : a combustible mixture of methane and other hydrocarbons used chiefly as a fuel and raw material
2
: gas manufactured from organic matter (such as coal)

Examples of natural gas in a Sentence

a house heated by natural gas
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.
The model targets fleets operating at least 10 natural gas trucks or those planning conversions of similar size. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026 In natural gas pipelines, oxygen can indicate air ingress or leakage. — Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The plan would sanction top Russian leaders and introduce harsh new penalties on nations that purchase oil and natural gas from Russia. — Claudia Grisales, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026 Burning natural gas produces nitrogen oxides, which are a key ingredient in ground-level ozone pollution. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for natural gas

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of natural gas was in 1825

Rhymes for natural gas

See All Rhymes for natural gas

Browse Nearby Words

natural function
natural gas
natural gasoline
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Cite this Entry

“Natural gas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20gas. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

natural gas

noun
: gas that comes from the earth's crust through natural openings or bored wells
especially : a flammable mixture of hydrocarbons and especially methane used chiefly as a fuel and raw material

More from Merriam-Webster on natural gas

Nglish: Translation of natural gas for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about natural gas

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