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

Plans to cancel the lease for Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory—a cornerstone of atmospheric CO₂ monitoring for over 60 years—were confirmed by recent reporting from Reuters and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. —Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Starlight filtered through its atmosphere, carrying the fingerprints of atmospheric molecules to the telescope. —Daniel Apai, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025

Once aloft, each individual molecule of dimethyl sulfide lasts only hours or, at most, about a day before it is destroyed in reactions that are triggered by exposure to sunlight and various atmospheric compounds. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025

Thursday, April 17 Worldly topics: Professor Wolfgang Bush of the Salk Institute will talk about developing plants for atmospheric carbon dioxide removal and sustainability during the 10 a.m. Thursday, April 17 World Affairs Council North County Chapter meeting. —Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025

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