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

Many seniors enjoy the casual ambience of the Shawmut Grille for après-ski activities, especially on weekday afternoons. —Roger Sands, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026

The retro ambience extends to all 20 bedrooms, which vary in size. —Felicity Capon, TheWeek, 19 Feb. 2026

Custom drapery can enhance serenity and flow in living spaces, bedrooms and reading nooks, creating an ambience reminiscent of the local coffee shop or bookstore. —Gretchen M. Stone, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026

Transcend Time with Florals The dining room sets the stage for Feste’s love of pattern, particularly in the form of House of Hackney’s Flora Fantasia in Ecru, which channels the space’s former ambience. —Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 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