ethereal

adjective

ethe·​re·​al i-ˈthir-ē-əl How to pronounce ethereal (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to the regions beyond the earth
2
a
: lacking material substance : immaterial, intangible
b
: marked by unusual delicacy or refinement
this smallest, most ethereal, and daintiest of birdsWilliam Beebe
c
: suggesting the heavens or heaven
3
: relating to, containing, or resembling a chemical ether
ethereality noun
etherealization noun
etherealize transitive verb
ethereally adverb
etherealness noun

Did you know?

If you're burning to know the history of ethereal, you're in the right spirit to fully understand the word's etymology. The ancient Greeks believed that the Earth was composed of earth, air, fire, and water, but that the heavens and its denizens were made of a purer, less tangible substance known (in English transliteration) as either quintessence or ether. Ether was often described as an invisible light or fire; its name comes from the Greek verb aithein, meaning "to ignite" or "to blaze." When ethereal, the adjectival kin of ether, debuted in English in the 1500s, it described regions beyond the Earth or anything that seemed to originate from them.

Examples of ethereal in a Sentence

The windows give the church an ethereal glow. that ethereal attribute that every performer should have—charisma
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Boho Ruffle Trim Maxi Shirt With an asymmetric, drapey chiffon design, this maxi skirt presents an almost ethereal vibe thanks to the flowy material and ruffles. Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 4 July 2025 Jellies: Go with the Flow This new permanent exhibit immerses visitors in the graceful, ethereal world of these ancient marine wonders. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Fog machines filled the floor as ethereal clouds images billowed behind her. Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Her ensemble was praised, with news reports noting the ethereal quality of her outfit. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ethereal

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ethereal was in 1522

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Cite this Entry

“Ethereal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethereal. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ethereal

adjective
ethe·​re·​al i-ˈthir-ē-əl How to pronounce ethereal (audio)
1
: of or relating to the heavens : heavenly
2
: being light and airy : delicate
ethereally adverb
etherealness noun

Medical Definition

ethereal

adjective
ethe·​re·​al i-ˈthir-ē-əl How to pronounce ethereal (audio)
: relating to, containing, or resembling a chemical ether

More from Merriam-Webster on ethereal

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