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

As global warming continues, further thinning of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could recreate conditions similar to those seen during the last interglacial period.

From Science Daily

"Global Warning", a play on words about global warming, is divided into five sections spanning Parr's interests in leisure, consumption, tourism, animals, and technology.

From Barron's

Their results show that during a period of intense global warming about 16 million years ago, ocean oxygen levels in this region were actually higher than they are today.

From Science Daily

In a new study, they looked at different global warming scenarios to project how often people in future might experience temperatures considered uncomfortably hot or cold.

From Barron's

“That is the classic global warming mountain snowpack signature,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.

From Los Angeles Times