natural gas

American  

noun

1. a combustible mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons that accumulates in porous sedimentary rocks, especially those yielding petroleum, consisting usually of over 80 percent methane together with minor amounts of ethane, propane, butane, nitrogen, and, sometimes, helium: used as a fuel and to make carbon black, acetylene, and synthesis gas.

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natural gas British  

noun

1. a gaseous mixture consisting mainly of methane trapped below ground; used extensively as a fuel

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natural gas Scientific  

/ năch′ər-əl /

1. A mixture of hydrocarbon gases that occurs naturally beneath the Earth's surface, often with or near petroleum deposits. Natural gas contains mostly of methane but also has varying amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and nitrogen. It is used as a fuel and in making organic compounds.

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Etymology

Origin of natural gas

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

“There are already acute shortages in natural gas, and there are also shortages in fertilizer and helium. If this isn’t curtailed within six to eight months, you’ll see challenges,” Pyziur explained.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

That’s not a policy reversal but a supply stopgap as Asia grapples with the loss of liquified natural gas from Qatar, its main source of LNG.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

In recent weeks, dozens of ships, some of them the world’s largest tankers laden with oil and liquefied natural gas, have traversed the dangerous crossing, The Wall Street Journal reported late last month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

The natural gas market also adapted better than feared.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

There’s the natural gas in the fertilizer and the fossil fuel energy it takes to make the pesticides, the diesel used by the tractors, and the fuel needed to harvest, dry, and transport the corn.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Related Words

• crude oil
• fossil fuel
• fuel
• gas
• gasoline
• kerosene
• petrol