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

El Niño is a natural weather pattern in the Pacific, but when combined with human-driven global warming can cause temperature spikes and more extreme weather.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels an historic summer of heat, drought and wildfires across the region, the EU's global warming monitor said Monday.

From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026

The threat of mosquito-borne disease is increasing in the U.S. as invasive mosquito species expand their range across the country and their seasonal populations last longer and grow larger during global warming.

From Slate ● Aug. 4, 2026

The 1.5°C limit refers to the goal of restricting long-term global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial temperatures.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 1, 2026

Some of it turns into nitrous oxide, a gas that increases global warming.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan