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

Energy Information Administration, more than 80% of the oil and liquefied natural gas moving through the chokepoint went to Asian markets in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Companies positioned to benefit include GE Vernova External link, which makes natural gas turbines to power data centers, as well as natural gas producer EQT.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

On Wednesday, Europe’s largest potash supplier raised its forecast for the year as prices for fertilizers have continued to climb as a reduction in liquefied natural gas exports curbed their production.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

The image evoked dominance at sea, as Iran's armed forces continue a blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas in peacetime.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 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