pollute
verb (used with object)
to make foul or unclean, especially with harmful chemical or waste products; dirty.
pollutes
-
present tense formof pollute (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But recycling is done with few regulations, pollutes the environment and threatens the health of those involved, both workers and experts told AFP.
From Barron's ● Dec. 16, 2025
"The larger it is, the more it pollutes," said the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, before the vote.
From BBC ● Dec. 2, 2025
People are generally in favor of clean energy and against energy production that pollutes, such as coal-burning power plants.
From Salon ● May 6, 2025
Urban runoff that pollutes the ocean frequently begins in these fresh rivers, but, unlike for beaches, there is no statewide oversight, standardization or funding for freshwater pollution monitoring in California.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2024
We rise; one wand’ring thought pollutes the day.
From "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley
