ardor

noun ar·dor \ ˈär-dər \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of ardor

1 a : an often restless or transitory warmth of feeling

the sudden ardors of youth

b : extreme vigor or energy : intensity

the ardor of a true believer

c : zeal

d : loyalty

2 : sexual excitement

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Examples of ardor in a Sentence

the sudden ardors of youth
candidates for citizenship reciting the oath of allegiance to the United States with all the ardor that they could muster

Recent Examples of ardor from the Web

Look over your life with excitement and ardor, placing yourself as the protagonist within your own, epic story.

— bess matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes January 15-21," 5 Apr. 2018
Her playing was delicate yet intense, playful yet full of ardor.

— matthew j. palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Grace Park lights up Philharmonic's 'American Roots'," 2 Apr. 2018
The cash customers fanned to fever heat by the ardor and closeness of combat gave outlet to all kinds of riotous impulses.

— charles p. pierce, SI.com, "Dual-Sport Trailblazer Ora Mae Washington Gets Her Due in Basketball Hall of Fame," 31 Mar. 2018
That means a few days worth of bunny ardor, eggs made of things other than egg, matzo, a brief window of acceptability for pastel clothing, and probably some church or temple.

— michael andor brodeur, BostonGlobe.com, "The Weekender: Lost dogs, emo foxes, and Easter bunnies," 29 Mar. 2018
Like a magician pulling away the curtain for a big reveal, Michael Tilson Thomas and the orchestra played Copland’s Symphony No. 3 on Thursday, March 15, displaying a powerful degree of ardor, clarity and expressive integrity.

— joshua kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, "Copland’s generous patriotism gets boost from SF Symphony," 16 Mar. 2018
In Sicily, which claims St. Joseph as its patron saint, the day is met with genuine ardor.

— domenica marchetti, chicagotribune.com, "How to make fried Sicilian St. Joseph's Day treat called sfince," 16 Mar. 2018
If all these instructions are dampening your ardor, try getting the position and contact right without attempting penetration, suggests Eichel, so that the movement itself becomes a source of pleasure.

— lynn peters, Redbook, "Why Missionary Is the Best Sex Position of All Time," 18 Aug. 2017
As long as Beijing’s ardor for the tech sector keeps burning, companies such as Foxconn look set to be the winners.

— jacky wong, WSJ, "Yes, Foxconn Can in China," 9 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ardor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ardor

Middle English ardour, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin ardor burning, heat, ardor, from aridus dry — more at arid

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

ardor Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of ardor

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.