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

• air
• aroma
• atmosphere
• aura
• climate
• flavor
• halo
• karma
• mood
• nimbus
• note
• odor
• patina
• smell
• temper
• vibration(s)

Examples of ambience in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Gongora, the decision behind the color coding was to create a new ambience that defines each arc, and pull the audience into a new dimension. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 6 June 2025

Creating the right outdoor ambience doesn’t require much, and outside of outdoor furniture, realistic-looking flower baskets, and an inviting doormat, proper lighting is non-negotiable. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 June 2025

Architectural Lighting As Art Lighting is an important design element that will set the ambience and set the tone of a wedding. —Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

Strong Artificial Smells Filling your home with a beautiful fragrance is a great way to freshen up the space, create an ambience, and even mask unwanted pet odors! —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2025

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