global warming

American  

[gloh-buhl wawrm-ing] / ˈgloʊ bəl ˈwɔrm ɪŋ /

noun

1. an increase in the earth's average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate, as a consequence of the greenhouse effect.

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global warming British  

noun

1. an increase in the average temperature worldwide believed to be caused by the greenhouse effect

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global warming Scientific  

1. An increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere, especially a sustained increase great enough to cause changes in the global climate. The Earth has experienced numerous episodes of global warming through its history, and currently appears to be undergoing such warming. The present warming is generally attributed to an increase in the greenhouse effect , brought about by increased levels of greenhouse gases, largely due to the effects of human industry and agriculture. Expected long-term effects of current global warming are rising sea levels, flooding, melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, fluctuations in temperature and precipitation, more frequent and stronger El Niños and La Niñas, drought, heat waves, and forest fires.

2. See more at greenhouse effect

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global warming Cultural  

1. The term attached to the notion that the Earth's temperature is increasing due to the greenhouse effect.

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Discover More

Whether global warming is actually happening is a subject of scientific debate.

Etymology

Origin of global warming

First recorded in 1975–80

Compare meaning

How does global-warming compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• global warming vs. climate change

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

global warming

Pacific leaders are pushing for the world to stick to a target of limiting global warming to 1.5C, enhance access to climate finance, and give more attention to the impact on oceans.

From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026

Baroness Brown told BBC File on 4 Investigates "not enough action" had been taken in light of predictions the UK is facing longer, drier summers because of global warming.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

Dieter Holger is a former reporter for WSJ Pro Sustainable Business out of The Wall Street Journal's London office, where he focused on how companies are addressing environmental regulations and global warming.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

And research shows El Niños have gotten more intense in the last half-century with global warming.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2026

I figured maybe it was global warming or something, because the weather all across New York state had been weird since Christmas.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan