atmosphere

noun

at·​mo·​sphere ˈat-mə-ˌsfir How to pronounce atmosphere (audio)
1
a
: the gaseous envelope of a celestial body (such as a planet)
b
: the whole mass of air surrounding the earth
2
: the air of a locality
the stuffy atmosphere of the waiting room
3
: a surrounding influence or environment
an atmosphere of hostility
4
: a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch (101,325 pascals)
5
a
: the overall aesthetic effect of a work of art
b
: an intriguing or singular tone, effect, or appeal
an inn with atmosphere
atmosphered adjective

Examples of atmosphere in a Sentence

Experts have noticed changes in the atmosphere. Meteoroids burn up as they pass through Earth's atmosphere. The planets have different atmospheres. a country inn with lots of atmosphere The food was good but the restaurant has no atmosphere.
Recent Examples on the Web Visitors are invited to experience a tranquil atmosphere inspired by Japanese aesthetics, featuring a beautiful garden and minimalist architecture. Noel Burgess, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Hovey Design staged the home, using soft textures in the living room and dining room upholstery to create a cozy atmosphere. Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2024 Planet-warming fossil fuel pollution is threatening the trees, which suck that pollution out of the atmosphere, meaning their loss is exacerbating the climate crisis. Rachel Ramirez, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 There's plenty of spark in the flavors, which mirror the sophistication and subtle sexiness of the atmosphere on a bustling weekend night. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for atmosphere 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atmosphere.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

earlier in Latinate form atmo-sphæra, from Greek atmós "steam, vapor" (probably contracted from aetmós, of uncertain origin) + -o- -o- + Latin sphaera sphere entry 1

Note: The word atmo-sphæra was apparently introduced by the English clergyman and natural philosopher John Wilkins (1614-72) in The Discovery of a World in the Moone (London, 1638), p. 138: "Proposition 10. That there is an Atmo-sphæra, or an orbe of grosse vaporous aire, immediately encompassing the body of the Moone."

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of atmosphere was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near atmosphere

Cite this Entry

“Atmosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atmosphere. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

atmosphere

noun
at·​mo·​sphere ˈat-mə-ˌsfi(ə)r How to pronounce atmosphere (audio)
1
a
: the whole mass of air surrounding the earth
b
: a mass of gases surrounding a heavenly body (as a planet)
2
: the air in a particular place
the stuffy atmosphere of this room
3
a
: a surrounding influence or set of conditions
a friendly atmosphere
b
: the main mood or feeling in a creative work
c
: a unique or appealing effect or mood
a restaurant with atmosphere
4
: a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or about 10 newtons per square centimeter (about 14.7 pounds per square inch)
Etymology

derived from Greek atmos "vapor" and Latin sphaera "sphere"

Medical Definition

atmosphere

noun
at·​mo·​sphere ˈat-mə-ˌsfi(ə)r How to pronounce atmosphere (audio)
1
: the whole mass of air surrounding the earth
2
: the air of a locality
3
: a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or to 101,325 pascals or to approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch
atmospheric adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

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