carcinogen

noun

car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsi-nə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkär-sə-nə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance or agent causing cancer

Examples of carcinogen in a Sentence

Cigarette smoke contains known carcinogens.
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.
Tumor cells did contain elevated levels of arsenic, a naturally occurring carcinogen found in parts of New England. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 July 2026 The article highlights the hypocrisy of promoting regenerative farming while allowing glyphosate, a probable carcinogen, which undermines soil health and human well-being. — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Doing so will increase the likelihood of heavy metal particles, which can carry lung irritants and carcinogens, being spread and inhaled. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, – the same category as tobacco and asbestos. — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for carcinogen

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carcinogen was in 1853

Rhymes for carcinogen

See All Rhymes for carcinogen

Browse Nearby Words

carcinoembryonic antigen
carcinogen
carcinogenesis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carcinogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carcinogen. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

carcinogen

noun
car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsin-ə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance or agent causing cancer

More from Merriam-Webster on carcinogen

Nglish: Translation of carcinogen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carcinogen

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