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

The intimate counter ambience encourages interaction at every stage. —Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 10 May 2026

The farthest room from the common area, it’s artfully built around a colossal Cape Ash tree and features a giant deck, floor-to-ceiling windows with bird’s-eye forest views, and sylvan ambience galore. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026

The overhead lights were off, for ambience, but midafternoon daylight streamed through the windows. —Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Large firepits easily make a statement, but even a small firepit can provide cozy backyard ambience. —Marisa Donnelly, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 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