barometer

noun

ba·rom·e·ter | \ bə-ˈrä-mə-tər

Definition of barometer

1 : an instrument for determining the pressure of the atmosphere and hence for assisting in forecasting weather and for determining altitude (see altitude sense 1a)

2 : something that indicates fluctuations (as in public opinion) housing sales and other economic barometers

3 : standard, test a barometer to measure high school talent— Jeff Fellenzer

Other Words from barometer Synonyms When did barometer become figurative? More Example Sentences Learn More about barometer

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Other Words from barometer

barometric \ ˌber-ə-ˈme-trik

, ˌba-rə- \ adjective

barometrically \ ˌber-ə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

barometry \ bə-ˈrä-mə-trē

\ noun

When did barometer become figurative?

Originally, barometer referred to an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure. Although this meaning is still very much in use, the word has taken on a strongly figurative sense denoting something that signals changes in conditions not necessarily related to the weather. This extended use of barometer has existed since at least the early 18th century, when Isaac Bickerstaff used it in an article in The Tatler: “I have an Engine in my Study, which is a Sort of a Political Barometer, or, to speak more intelligibly, a State Weather-Glass.”

Examples of barometer in a Sentence

a legendary Broadway flop that has subsequently become the barometer by which failure in the theater is judged

Recent Examples on the Web

In the film categories, the Golden Globes isn’t always a barometer of how the Academy Awards might go when that higher-profile event rolls around in eight weeks. — Erich Schwartzel, WSJ, "Golden Globes Honor ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ ‘Green Book’," 7 Jan. 2019 Plus, why a high stakes race in Ohio tomorrow could be the barometer for the power of the President in November. — Fox News, "Legal, political fallout from Trump tweet on 2016 meeting," 6 Aug. 2018 This could be an interesting barometer for the series. — The Crossover Staff, SI.com, "2018 NBA Finals: Warriors-Cavs IV Picks, Random Predictions and More," 31 May 2018 Such numbers are not true barometers of greatness, but with time running out for Messi, consider this. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "Why Lionel Messi hates playing for Argentina in World Cup," 24 June 2018 And yes, there are connections between reality TV and Trump’s values and behavior: Take his obsession with ratings as a barometer of success, his love of pageantry, and his consistent muddying of the line between rumor and fact. — Lucas Mann, The Atlantic, "What Exactly Makes Trump a 'Reality-TV President'?," 30 Apr. 2018 Baidu’s business, which relies on ads from Chinese medical, retail and other companies, is a barometer for the health of China’s private sector. — Maria Armental, WSJ, "Baidu Forecasts Weaker Growth as Chinese Economy Slows," 22 Feb. 2019 The easing or tightening of restrictions on women’s dress, Alinejad notes, is a barometer of Iranian politics; when a new, less reformist Majlis is elected, for instance, women reporters receive admonitions to improve their appearances. — Rafia Zakaria, New York Times, "The Woman Whose Hair Frightens Iran," 3 July 2018 Now, as Ford takes over its future, the train station could continue to be a barometer of Detroit's health. — Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit's comeback focus of History network special," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'barometer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.