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

Underlining the hotel’s focus on wellness and mindfulness, there is a spa lounge with holistic treatments available including massages and therapy baths, and a relaxation space that brings to mind the sci-fi ambience of a futuristic starship. —Stephen Kelly, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026

Her soft-focus voice is quietly commanding here, backed by the tranquil ambience forged by layers of guitar, mandolin and pedal steel. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2026

The scruffy ambience along Washington did not help the hotel’s appeal or its ability to fill its retail shops. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

The ambience and history are awe-inspiring at this eighteenth-century mansion steps from the Popes’ Palace. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 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