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 upcoming weather switch up likely comes down to a subtle atmospheric shift. —Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026

Also not yet fully understood are the interactions with naturally occurring planetary waves and atmospheric cycles such as the Arctic Oscillation and the El Niño Southern Oscillation. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026

Scientists have long linked these climate changes to fluctuations in atmospheric carbon dioxide. —Ben Mather, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2026

The cold front will dissipate on Sunday as the upper-atmospheric ridge of high pressure slides east of Texas. —Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 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