natural gas

American  

noun

1. a combustible mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons that accumulates in porous sedimentary rocks, especially those yielding petroleum, consisting usually of over 80 percent methane together with minor amounts of ethane, propane, butane, nitrogen, and, sometimes, helium: used as a fuel and to make carbon black, acetylene, and synthesis gas.

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natural gas British  

noun

1. a gaseous mixture consisting mainly of methane trapped below ground; used extensively as a fuel

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natural gas Scientific  

/ năch′ər-əl /

1. A mixture of hydrocarbon gases that occurs naturally beneath the Earth's surface, often with or near petroleum deposits. Natural gas contains mostly of methane but also has varying amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and nitrogen. It is used as a fuel and in making organic compounds.

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Etymology

Origin of natural gas

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

U.S. natural gas futures ended the week lower as the market shifts into the low-demand spring shoulder season.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Estimating methane from a reservoir is trickier than measuring plumes from natural gas wells or landfills, scientists say.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

To meet the moment, leading U.S. prediction market Kalshi is adding new markets for commodities like natural gas and wheat.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

It moved into commercial fishing during the 1980s oil slump and diversified into natural gas and fish-protein, then sold off its energy assets and bought a sausage-casing company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Emma was the only one who managed to get a question in edgewise: “You think we just went through a natural gas explosion?”

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• crude oil
• fossil fuel
• fuel
• gas
• gasoline
• kerosene
• petrol