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

Keep scrolling for more

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

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 Billboard's charts used to be our barometer for music success. — Travis M. Andrews, chicagotribune.com, "From Elton John to Eminem to Peggy Lee: Trump's bizarre history with pop music," 11 July 2018 In all, the celebration was the perfect start to the weekend of festivities, but more importantly, a barometer for female voices and talent being represented in Hollywood, with the number of women nominees growing each year. — Cameron Bird, Vogue, "Diane von Furstenberg Invited This Year's Female Oscar Nominees to a Luncheon Chez DVF," 24 Feb. 2019 Global purchasing managers’ indexes, or PMIs, have come forth as a leading barometer of the health of the world’s major manufacturing sectors. — Josh Zumbrun, WSJ, "To Gauge the Health of the Global Economy, Look to Purchasing Managers," 5 Feb. 2019 Travel is such a curious barometer in these strangest of times, when our nation’s sociopolitical outbursts are felt around the world. — Pilar Guzmán, Condé Nast Traveler, "Editor's Letter: The Wisdom of the Wild," 10 Oct. 2018 The home stretch of Tuesday’s special House election here has turned into not just a barometer of the national political environment heading into the midterms, but a referendum on the parties’ two top leaders: Donald Trump and Nancy Pelosi. — Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "Voters snub house members looking to move up," 3 Aug. 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.