atmosphere

noun at·mo·sphere \ ˈat-mə-ˌsfir \

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

Crema employees enjoy a relaxed office atmosphere with free local coffee, beer and the occasional game of Jenga.

— sarah gish, kansascity, "Ten KC companies that spoil employees with unbelievable perks," 30 Aug. 2017
Once the festival is in full swing, the atmosphere is infectious.

— rick steves, The Seattle Times, "Rick Steves: How to become a Bavarian at Oktoberfest," 29 Aug. 2017
Climate change is caused by the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.

— robinson meyer, The Atlantic, "Did Climate Change Intensify Hurricane Harvey?," 27 Aug. 2017
Factoring in the state of the atmosphere and ocean, one model estimates the storm’s odds of rapid intensification over the next three days at greater than 10 times the typical chances.

— jen kirby, Daily Intelligencer, "Tropical Storm Harvey Is Rapidly Strengthening to Hurricane Status and Aiming Straight for the Texas Coast," 24 Aug. 2017
Hundreds of these luxury lodges have popped up in recent years, using high-design and a sultry atmosphere to make for a weekend (or however long!) of fun and relaxation in total privacy.

— sara tardiff, ELLE Decor, "Welcome To The Love Hotel: A Luxury (And Full-Sensory) Romantic Experience," 18 Aug. 2017
No matter what curriculum is being taught, parents of students in the Temple Sinai Religious School praise the school for its atmosphere.

— randall p. lieberman, Jewish Journal, "Delray religious school teaches about Jewish cuisine," 3 Aug. 2017
People who work in and with SOEs report a palpable change in atmosphere in recent years.

— The Economist, "Reform of China’s ailing state-owned firms is emboldening them," 20 July 2017
The atmosphere at a House Appropriations Committee lunch meeting on women’s health midday Wednesday was predictably charged.

— rachel bluth, Kaiser Health News, "Postcard From Capitol Hill: Lawmakers Put Women’s Health Care In Its Place," 19 July 2017

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, nimbus, note, odor, patina, smell, temper, vibration (s)

Related Words

aureole (or aureola), mystique, romance; genius loci; 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 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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Origin and Etymology of atmosphere

atmosphere Synonyms

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Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

ATMOSPHERE Defined for Kids

atmosphere

Definition of atmosphere for Students

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atmosphere

medical Definition of atmosphere

atmospheric

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