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

Bruce Goodrich’s scenic design has distinct spaces for each actress to exist in, but a cohesive ambience that is supportive for the overall production. —Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026

Best Restaurants Mametora Housed in a machiya townhouse in the heart of Gion, kaiseki restaurant Mametora combines traditional ambience with the ease of online reservations. —Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026

To really soak up the serene ambience, my advice is to visit in June or September. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026

However, through the years fewer of them seemed to be arriving over the lead-in weekend, so tournament director Bronwyn Greer made the decision this spring to let the qualifiers enjoy the ambience, too. —Dale Robertson, Houston Chronicle, 28 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