calm

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈkäm  ˈkälm  ˈkam 

ˈkȯ(l)m

1

a

: a period or condition of freedom from storms, high winds, or rough activity of water

a sailing ship motionless in the calm

b

: complete absence of wind or presence of wind having a speed no greater than one mile (1.6 kilometers) per hour see Beaufort Scale Table

2

: a state of tranquility

At dusk a quiet calm settled over the town.

calm

2 of 4

verb

calmed; calming; calms

intransitive verb

: to become calm

—usually used with down

The mayor asked the protesters to calm down so she could speak.

transitive verb

: to make calm

—often used with down

He saw Fyodor hang his head low and try to calm himself down.

—Brandon Taylor

calm

3 of 4

adjective

1

: marked by calm : still

a calm sea

2

: free from agitation, excitement, or disturbance

calmly adverb

calmness noun

calmness

4 of 4

noun (2)

calm·​ness

ˈkä(l)m-nəs ˈkȯ(l)m-, 

ˈkam-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being calm

Synonyms of calm

Noun (1)

• restfulness
• serenity
• quiet
• sereneness
• quietness

Verb

• soothe
• lull
• quiet
• compose

Adjective

• quiet
• tranquil
• serene
• peaceful
• placid
• hushed

Choose the Right Synonym for calm

calm, tranquil, serene, placid, peaceful mean quiet and free from disturbance.

calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

Examples of calm in a Sentence

Noun (1)

After two days of violent protests, the mayor appealed for calm.

The calm was broken by another terrorist bombing.

the calm of a church

Police tried to restore calm after the riot.

A quiet calm settled over the city.

Verb

His words were effective in calming her fears.

The medicine helped calm her breathing.

Adjective

The teacher asked us to remain calm after the fire alarm went off.

Let's try to have a calm discussion about your grades.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The flare-up brought an end to more than a month of a tense calm in the Gulf region. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026

In the movie, Winkler’s Himbry is trying to keep everyone at the school calm as the killers continue to target new victims. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Verb

One of the flight crew had attempted to calm the situation before that point, the witnesses said, but Lundeen allegedly called her a racial slur and started making homophobic comments. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026

Back at the hotel, the calming interiors encourage proper rest and relaxation. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 4 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Crews may benefit from slightly cooler temperatures in the days ahead, Gass said, and wind conditions are expected to remain fairly calm in both areas. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Mood stabilizers influence brain receptors that release and maintain neurotransmitters, calm overactive circuits and strengthen cellular connections over time. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1), Verb, and Adjective

Middle English calme, probably ultimately from Old Spanish calma, from Late Latin cauma heat, from Greek kauma, from kaiein to burn

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing calm

• calm, cool, and collected
• cool/calm head
• the calm/lull before the storm

Rhymes for calm

• balm
• bom
• bomb
• dom
• halm
• hom
• malm
• mam
• mom
• palm
• pom
• pomme

Kids Definition

calm

1 of 3 noun

ˈkäm  ˈkälm 

1

a

: a period or state of freedom from storm, wind, or rough water

b

: complete lack of wind or the presence of wind of no more than one mile (1.6 kilometers) per hour

2

: a state of freedom from excitement or disturbance : peacefulness

calm

2 of 3 verb

: to make or become calm

calm

3 of 3 adjective

1

: marked by calm : still

a calm sea

2

: free from excitement or disturbance

a calm manner

calmly adverb

calmness noun