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 successful end of the Artemis II mission is a major relief for NASA, given prior concerns about Orion capsule’s heat shield, the layer of thermal protection at the bottom of the spacecraft that protects astronauts from extreme temperatures during atmospheric re-entry. —Denise Chow, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026

From Echoes of the Nile, there is a deeper connection to history, earth, mineral tones, and timeless cultural references, something more soulful and atmospheric. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026

Because the observation occurred beyond Earth's atmosphere, the view was not affected by atmospheric scattering or distortion, offering higher contrast and sharper detail. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026

This information, Bellini said, will help scientists better predict sonic booms in the future, which are dependent on a variety of atmospheric conditions. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 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