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

Pair with a set of ultra-thin taper candles for ultimate ambience. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026

Listening to music, ambience sounds, or just the noise of everyday life can improve the ability to hear. — Connie Etermadi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

With no score, the film’s vivid sound design of billowing foliage, creaky doors and floorboards, creates an austere ambience that softens with quiet feeling as the contours of the family’s troubles are gradually filled out. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026

At night, the space is lit with 450 candles, creating an ambience so romantic that even a Hatfield or McCoy could fall in love if seated across from each other at the table. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 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