ambience

noun

am·​bi·​ence ˈam-bē-ən(t)s 

ˈäm-bē-än(t)s

variants or ambiance

: a feeling or mood associated with a particular place, person, or thing : atmosphere

The restaurant's soft music and candlelight gave it a romantic ambience.

Synonyms of ambience

• aura
• atmosphere
• smell
• aroma
• air

Examples of ambience in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lighting is not only functional, but can also add ambience in your kitchen. —Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

As for windowsills, add a lamp, candle, or vase for ambience—and to direct people toward it. —Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 30 May 2026

Menšík lapped up the ambience even when his aces were met with silence. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 26 May 2026

The attention to detail even extends to creating individual ambiences for each of the five steam and sauna rooms, including the forest clearing steam room, which feels like sitting in a fairytale glade. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

in part from ambi(ent) entry 1 + -ence, in part borrowed from French ambiance (from ambiant "ambient" + -ance -ance)

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ambience

• ambiance

Kids Definition

ambience

noun

am·​bi·​ence

variants or ambiance

ˈam-bē-ən(t)s  ˈäm-bē-än(t)s 

: a feeling or mood that is related to a particular place, person, or thing