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

Global warming could be marked by disruptive shifts in the climate system as well as rising average temperatures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Global warming is destroying the natural habitat of animals including seals that live in the cold parts of the world.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

Global warming is a big challenge for warm-blooded animals, which must maintain a constant body temperature to prevent their bodies from overheating.

From BBC • May 21, 2025

Global warming “should be considered, but we should be transparent about what the cost is,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2024

Global warming has certainly changed in the two decades since that conversation, but apparently Hollywood's squeamishness about fully acknowledging that reality has not.

From Salon • Jul. 22, 2024