atmosphere

noun at·mo·sphere \ ˈat-mə-ˌsfir \

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of atmosphere

1 a : the gaseous envelope of a celestial body (such as a planet)

b : the whole mass of air surrounding the earth

2 : the air of a locality

the stuffy atmosphere of the waiting room

3 : a surrounding influence or environment

an atmosphere of hostility

4 : a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch (101,325 pascals)

5 a : the overall aesthetic effect of a work of art

b : an intriguing or singular tone, effect, or appeal

an inn with atmosphere

—

atmosphered

play \-ˌsfird\ adjective

See atmosphere defined for English-language learners

See atmosphere defined for kids

Examples of atmosphere in a Sentence

Experts have noticed changes in the atmosphere.
Meteoroids burn up as they pass through Earth's atmosphere.
The planets have different atmospheres.
a country inn with lots of atmosphere
The food was good but the restaurant has no atmosphere.

Recent Examples of atmosphere from the Web

While that might seem excessive, atmosphere is a key part of adding a gourmet feel to an outdoor kitchen.

— joe jackson, Outside Online, "Pro Tips for Packing Your Camp Kitchen," 6 Apr. 2018
License plates, vintage posters and photographs are tacked to the walls, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.

— shayne benowitz, miamiherald, "Stock Island is Key West's laid-back neighbor. Here's why you should go | Miami Herald," 5 Apr. 2018
With an enthusiastic crowd filling Memphis' Mason Temple Church of God in Christ, the atmosphere was heavy with nostalgia Tuesday for the evening 50 years ago that the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his final speech.

— Fox News, "Resilience, resolve and renewed commitment to MLK's legacy," 4 Apr. 2018
The atmosphere is busy and formal, and as we’re taken to our room, the halls are full of people who appear to be wedding guests, made conspicuous by their fascinators and satin shoes.

— jo rodgers, Vogue, "Old World Meets New at Adare Manor, Ireland’s Just-Renovated Castle Hotel," 4 Apr. 2018
The atmosphere was far more controlled than the previous week, when Stevante Clark – Stephon Clark’s brother – burst into council chambers and engaged in a tense exchange with the mayor, telling Steinberg repeatedly to shut up.

— ryan lillis, nashelly chavez and ed fletcher, sacbee, "'It just doesn't look right,' says Sacramento councilman who represents Stephon Clark neighborhood | The Sacramento Bee," 3 Apr. 2018
The atmosphere is great and that improved cellphone coverage would be a bonus.

— prescotte stokes iii, star-telegram, "Can you hear me now? Good! Because improvements are waiting for fans at Texas Motor Speedway | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 2 Apr. 2018
The atmosphere is fun and festive, yet comfortable and cozy.

— mark spezia, Detroit Free Press, "Morris Peterson opens his sports bar to Final Four viewers — even Michigan," 30 Mar. 2018
As the surface air temperatures rise, the atmosphere will be able to hold more water vapor.

— sara sneath, NOLA.com, "Gulf of Mexico coral reef dodges bullet from Hurricane Harvey, scientists report," 29 Mar. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of atmosphere

New Latin atmosphaera, from Greek atmos vapor + Latin sphaera sphere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1638

See Words from the same year

atmosphere Synonyms

Synonyms

air, ambience (or ambiance), aroma, aura, climate, flavor, halo, karma, mood, note, odor, patina, smell, temper, vibration(s);

Related Words

mystique, romance;

feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit;

attribute, character, characteristic, image, mark, notion, peculiarity, picture, property, trait;

color, illusion, overtone, semblance, suggestion, tone;

Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

monsoon, occlusion, ozone, rime, squall, zephyr

ATMOSPHERE Defined for English Language Learners

atmosphere

noun

Definition of atmosphere for English Language Learners

: the whole mass of air that surrounds the Earth
: a mass of gases that surround a planet or star
: the air in a particular place or area

ATMOSPHERE Defined for Kids

atmosphere

noun at·mo·sphere \ ˈat-mə-ˌsfir \

Definition of atmosphere for Students

1 : the whole mass of air that surrounds the earth

2 : the gas surrounding a heavenly body (as a planet)

The atmosphere of Mars is made up mostly of carbon dioxide.

3 : the air in a particular place

4 : a surrounding influence or set of conditions

an atmosphere of excitement

Medical Dictionary

atmosphere

noun at·mo·sphere \ ˈat-mə-ˌsfi(ə)r \

medical Definition of atmosphere

1 : the whole mass of air surrounding the earth

2 : the air of a locality

3 : a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or to 101,325 pascals or to approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch

—

atmospheric

play \ˌat-mə-ˈsfi(ə)r-ik, -ˈsfer-\ adjective

Learn More about atmosphere

See words that rhyme with atmosphere Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for atmosphere Spanish Central: Translation of atmosphere Nglish: Translation of atmosphere for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of atmosphere for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atmosphere

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atmosphere

Definition of atmosphere

atmosphered

Examples of atmosphere in a Sentence

Recent Examples of atmosphere from the Web

Origin and Etymology of atmosphere

atmosphere Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

ATMOSPHERE Defined for English Language Learners

atmosphere

Definition of atmosphere for English Language Learners

ATMOSPHERE Defined for Kids

atmosphere

Definition of atmosphere for Students

Medical Dictionary

atmosphere

medical Definition of atmosphere

atmospheric

Learn More about atmosphere

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