temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r  ˈtem-pə- 

-p(ə-)rə-, 

-chər, 

-ˌtyu̇r, 

-ˌtu̇r

1

a

: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale

b

: the degree of heat that is natural to the body of a living being

c

: abnormally high body heat

running a temperature

2

a

: relative state of emotional warmth

scandals raised the political temperature

b

: mood

testing the temperature of voters

3

archaic

a

: complexion sense 4

b

: temperament sense 1a

Examples of temperature in a Sentence

Water boils at a temperature of 212°F.

The samples are kept at a constant temperature.

The weatherman predicted unusually low temperatures for the area.

the normal body temperature of 98.6°F

Recent Examples on the Web

Firefighters are still battling wildfires outside of Madrid and Bordeaux, with temperatures set to soar this week, and no rain forecast to relieve the conditions fueling the fires. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026

The storms are the result of cold air colliding with temperatures in the mid 90s, and a heat index of 106 degrees, forecasters say. — Mark Price july 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

Once the temperature drops, the goal shifts from color to texture. — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Thanks to measures such as cross ventilation, window blinds, and—most important—air-conditioning, employees can remain cool at their desks even when outside temperatures are scorching. — Oliver Balch, Fortune, 27 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin temperātūra "mixture of substances in proper proportion, adjustment between extremes, mean," from temperātus, past participle of temperāre "to moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing, maintain in a state of balance" + -ūra -ure — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing temperature

• body temperature
• color temperature
• dry bulb temperature
• raise/lower the temperature
• room temperature
• run a temperature
• take someone's temperature
• temperature inversion

Kids Definition

temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r  ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər

1

: the degree of hotness or coldness of something (as air, water, or the body) as shown by a thermometer

2

: fever sense 1a

have a temperature

Medical Definition

temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r  -p(ə-)rə- 

-chər, 

-ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r

1

: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale see thermometer

2

a

: the degree of heat that is natural to a living body

a normal oral temperature of about 98.6°F

b

: a condition of abnormally high body heat

was running a temperature