pollution

American  

[puh-loo-shuhn] / pəˈlu ʃən /

noun

1. the act of polluting or the state of being polluted.

2. the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

   air pollution.

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pollution British  

/ pəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act of polluting or the state of being polluted

2. harmful or poisonous substances introduced into an environment

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pollution Scientific  

/ pə-lo̅o̅′shən /

1. The contamination of air, water, or soil by substances that are harmful to living organisms. Pollution can occur naturally, for example through volcanic eruptions, or as the result of human activities, such as the spilling of oil or disposal of industrial waste.

2. ◆ Light from cities and towns at night that interferes with astronomical observations is known as light pollution. It can also disturb natural rhythms of growth in plants and other organisms.

3. ◆ Continuous noise that is loud enough to be annoying or physically harmful is known as noise pollution.

4. ◆ Heat from hot water that is discharged from a factory into a river or lake, where it can kill or endanger aquatic life, is known as thermal pollution.

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Other Word Forms

• self-pollution noun

Etymology

Origin of pollution

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English pollucioun, from Old French, from Late Latin pollūtiōn-, stem of pollūtiō “defilement”; equivalent to pollute + -ion

Explanation

Pollution is unwanted, harmful stuff contaminating an environment. The race to develop clean energy is motivated by high levels of pollution that people fear are permanently damaging the earth's environment. When you hear about pollution, you’re most likely hearing about chemical emissions into air or water that come from industrial processing. But pollution isn’t just environmental. Anything we think of as pure can be contaminated by pollution polluted, whether that's a lake or an idea. If your mother finds you reading trashy magazines instead of doing your homework, she might worry about the pollution of your mind.

Example Sentences

Experts say habitat loss, pollution and climate change are driving long-term declines, particularly among rarer species.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Lawmakers in more than 10 states have proposed temporary bans on data-center construction this year amid rising public concerns, reflected in opinion polls, over energy prices, noise pollution and other issues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

People are urged to keep windows and doors closed, run air conditioners and air purifiers, and avoid introducing further air pollution with grilling or fireplaces.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Under these laws, parties can ask for financial compensation or seek court orders to remedy problems, such as pollution.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

Ironically, the real source turned out to be air pollution from cars and factories.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Related Words

• abuse
• corruption
• deterioration
• infection