relative humidity

noun

: the ratio of the amount of water vapor actually present in the air to the greatest amount possible at the same temperature

Examples of relative humidity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite the record heat Wednesday and Thursday, relative humidity levels will stay low, which will make the heat more tolerable. —Steven Sosna, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

Near sea level, where atmospheric pressure can be higher than on the side of a mountain, the weight of the atmosphere forces water vapor molecules into a smaller space, which has the effect of increasing relative humidity by building up the density of overall moisture. —John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Apr. 2026

Winds are forecasted to be northeast 10 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph and relative humidity as low as 15%. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026

Those include temperatures above 77 degrees, dew points above 55 degrees, relative humidity above 50% and any threat of rain or strong winds. —Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for relative humidity

• acidity
• aridity
• avidity
• cupidity
• fluidity
• liquidity
• lucidity
• morbidity
• placidity
• rancidity
• rapidity
• rigidity

Kids Definition

relative humidity

noun

: the amount of water vapor actually present in the air compared to the greatest amount possible at the same temperature

Medical Definition

relative humidity

noun

: the ratio of the amount of water vapor actually present in the air to the greatest amount possible at the same temperature compare absolute humidity