atmospheric

adjective

at·​mo·​spher·​ic ˌat-mə-ˈsfir-ik 

-ˈsfer-

1

a

: of, relating to, or occurring in the atmosphere

atmospheric dust

b

: resembling the atmosphere : airy

2

: having, marked by, or contributing aesthetic or emotional atmosphere

an atmospheric inn

also : marked by an emphasis on impression or tone

atmospherically

ˌat-mə-ˈsfir-i-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈsfer-

adverb

Examples of atmospheric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The effects depend on the strength and location of ocean warming, the time of year and the presence of other atmospheric and climate patterns. —Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

The model was validated using Venus and Mars, correctly reproducing Venus's thick carbon dioxide atmosphere and Mars's long-term atmospheric loss. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 23 June 2026

But the mission’s goals outlined by the space agency—tasks such as scouting unexplored terrain, detecting stores of subsurface ice and monitoring atmospheric dust—are a far cry from the preexisting priority of Mars Sample Return and the associated search for alien life. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 22 June 2026

In conversation with Holte, Brandenburg explained technical aspects of supersonic flight, including how specific atmospheric conditions can limit sonic boom effects on the ground. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

atmosphere + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing atmospheric

• atmospheric river

Rhymes for atmospheric

• allosteric
• amphoteric
• anomeric
• chromospheric
• climacteric
• congeneric
• dysenteric
• esoteric
• exoteric
• isomeric
• lithospheric
• mesenteric

Kids Definition

atmospheric

adjective

at·​mo·​spher·​ic ˌat-mə-ˈsfi(ə)r-ik 

-ˈsfer-

: of or relating to the atmosphere

atmospheric pressure

atmospherically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb