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 exhibition is an excellent excuse to visit Ciutadella with its warren of atmospheric streets, much as Son Ermità is the perfect excuse to visit, or return to, Menorca. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Future satellite servicing initiatives Without an artificial boost to combat atmospheric drag, NASA expects Swift to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere later this year. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

Based on current calculations, Swift is now expected to begin its atmospheric re-entry no earlier than October. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026

All satellites in low Earth orbit slowly lose altitude because of atmospheric drag. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 19 Aug. 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