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

Residents can expect winds to be northwest to north winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 30 to 50 mph, strongest in Sundowner wind prone areas of southern Santa Barbara County and relative humidity 10 to 25%. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

The material absorbs water from the air at room temperature when relative humidity reaches at least 18 percent. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

The heat index combines atmospheric temperature and relative humidity to determine how heat feels to the body. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

Instead of just looking at temperature when planning outdoor activities, check the heat index, which accounts for heat illness risk associated with temperature and relative humidity. — Brian Bossak, The Conversation, 1 July 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