hydrogen sulfide

noun

: a flammable poisonous gas H2S that has an odor suggestive of rotten eggs and is found especially in many mineral waters and in putrefying matter

Examples of hydrogen sulfide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The gas, hydrogen sulfide, is created by turbulence of the sanitary sewage flow. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 14 May 2026 Decomposing food can release hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas synonymous with landfills and garbage. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Ew, that smell After about 48 hours on the beach, sargassum starts to decay and can produce hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gases. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2026 Instead, like other species that live on hydrothermal vents, the snail is home to bacteria that feast on hydrogen sulfide, oxygen, and carbon dioxide and convert those chemicals into sugar. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hydrogen sulfide

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrogen sulfide was in 1869

Rhymes for hydrogen sulfide

See All Rhymes for hydrogen sulfide

Browse Nearby Words

hydrogen selenide
hydrogen sulfide
hydrogeology
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Cite this Entry

“Hydrogen sulfide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20sulfide. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hydrogen sulfide

noun
: a flammable poisonous gas with a disagreeable odor suggestive of rotten eggs

Medical Definition

hydrogen sulfide

noun
: a flammable poisonous gas H2S that has an odor suggestive of rotten eggs and is found especially in many mineral waters and in putrefying matter
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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