1
a
: a period or condition of freedom from storms, high winds, or rough activity of water
a sailing ship motionless in the calm
b
: complete absence of wind or presence of wind having a speed no greater than one mile (1.6 kilometers) per hour see Beaufort Scale Table
2
: a state of tranquility
At dusk a quiet calm settled over the town.
calmed; calming; calms
: to become calm
—usually used with down
The mayor asked the protesters to calm down so he could speak.
: to make calm
—often used with down
calm him down; get him to be reasonable—
S. H. Adams
S. H. Adams1
: marked by calm : still
a calm sea
2
: free from agitation, excitement, or disturbance
calmly
adverb
calmness
noun
Examples of calm in a Sentence
Noun
After two days of violent protests, the mayor appealed for calm.
The calm was broken by another terrorist bombing.
the calm of a church
Police tried to restore calm after the riot.
A quiet calm settled over the city.
Verb
His words were effective in calming her fears.
The medicine helped calm her breathing.
Adjective
The teacher asked us to remain calm after the fire alarm went off.
Let's try to have a calm discussion about your grades.
Recent Examples on the Web
Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
An uneasy calm, after two nights of chaos that saw tens of thousands of people pour out into the streets to vent their fury, setting fire to parliament and the Supreme Court – key symbols of state – and clashing with the government forces sent to keep them under control.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
Stepping into the spa, guests will find themselves in a minimalist space bathed in calming neutral tones and peppered with tasteful wood and gold accents.
—Asa Canty, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Bella, now three and a half years old, was described by Overbye as calm, sensitive, quiet, smart, and playful.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for calm
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Noun
With over 2,360 hours of sunshine per year and high air quality, Melbourne ranked as another strong choice for travelers seeking calm amid city life.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
An uneasy calm, after two nights of chaos that saw tens of thousands of people pour out into the streets to vent their fury, setting fire to parliament and the Supreme Court – key symbols of state – and clashing with the government forces sent to keep them under control.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
FurHaven Calming Cuddler Donut Pet Bed A fluffy bed that surrounds your dog with warmth can be great for relieving anxiety and calming down a nervous pet.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
Stepping into the spa, guests will find themselves in a minimalist space bathed in calming neutral tones and peppered with tasteful wood and gold accents.
—Asa Canty, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
If caught in a rip current, remain calm.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Bella, now three and a half years old, was described by Overbye as calm, sensitive, quiet, smart, and playful.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for calm
Cite this Entry
“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calm. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
1
a
: a period or state of freedom from storm, wind, or rough water
b
: complete lack of wind or the presence of wind of no more than one mile (1.6 kilometers) per hour
2
: a state of freedom from excitement or disturbance : peacefulness
calm
2 of 3 verb
: to make or become calm
calm
3 of 3 adjective1
: marked by calm : still
a calm sea
2
: free from excitement or disturbance
a calm manner
calmly
adverb
calmness
noun
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