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

The ambience, Cook said, is Casablanca. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026

The high-energy space has a fun and youthful vibe, but the hubbub and music that leaks from it into the open-plan restaurants surrounding the Piazza can spoil their ambience. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026

There’s indoor and outdoor seating, live music, and a cozy-yet-hip ambience. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026

The center of attention and exceptional ambience at the same time. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 21 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