temperature

noun tem·per·a·ture \ ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r , ˈtem-pə- , -p(ə-)rə- , -chər , -ˌtyu̇r , -ˌtu̇r \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Examples: temperature in a Sentence

Definition of temperature

1 a : degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale

b : the degree of heat that is natural to the body of a living being

c : abnormally high body heat

running a temperature

2 a : relative state of emotional warmth

scandals raised the political temperature

b : mood

testing the temperature of voters

3 archaic

a : complexion 1

b : temperament 1a

See temperature defined for English-language learners

See temperature defined for kids

Examples of temperature in a Sentence

Water boils at a temperature of 212°F.
The samples are kept at a constant temperature.
The weatherman predicted unusually low temperatures for the area.
the normal body temperature of 98.6°F

Recent Examples of temperature from the Web

The Kansas City metro area is in for a sweltering weekend with temperatures and heat indexes pushing toward 100 degrees.

— conner mitchell, kansascity, "KC area under heat advisory this weekend, a busy one for outdoor festivals," 15 June 2018
For the upcoming heat wave, both temperatures and humidity levels should be substantially higher.

— jason samenow, Washington Post, "‘Oppressive’ heat possible by early next week around Washington," 14 June 2018
On Sunday, heat indices — the combination of high temperatures and humid conditions — could top 101 degrees in Milwaukee and Madison.

— joe taschler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Heat could turn dangerous across southern Wisconsin this weekend," 13 June 2018
King explained that years of exposure to changing temperatures and humidity degraded the propellant, causing the airbags to malfunction.

— CBS News, "Drivers urged to fix recalled Takata airbags that can explode," 12 June 2018
Day 2 of CMA Fest brought even hotter temperatures and more fun from some of country's rising artists, current favorites and superstars.

— taylor weatherby, Billboard, "The 17 Best Moments From CMA Fest 2018 Day 2," 9 June 2018
The Southwest Research Institute has tested car battery technology since 2010, putting some 40,000 batteries through aging, extreme temperature, and physical abuse tests.

— rye druzin, San Antonio Express-News, "San Antonio R&D center gets new car battery testing facility," 9 June 2018
The temperatures and chances of rain will run hot this weekend.

— ben brasch, ajc, "Cobb weekend weather and events: Beware afternoon storms," 8 June 2018
Soaring temperatures and typical high humidity have Entergy warning its customers to put in place some power saving tips before their summer utility bills arrive.

— greg larose, NOLA.com, "Entergy warns customers with tips to avoid high bills in hot weather," 5 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'temperature.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of temperature

Latin temperatura mixture, moderation, from temperatus, past participle of temperare

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1533

in the meaning defined at sense 3

See Words from the same year

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

TEMPERATURE Defined for English Language Learners

temperature

noun

Definition of temperature for English Language Learners

: a measurement that indicates how hot or cold something is : a measurement in degrees showing the heat of something (such as air or water)
: a measurement of the heat in a person's body
: a level of heat that is above what is normal for the human body

TEMPERATURE Defined for Kids

temperature

noun tem·per·a·ture \ ˈtem-pə-rə-ˌchu̇r , -prə-ˌchu̇r , -pə-ˌchu̇r , -chər \

Definition of temperature for Students

1 : degree of hotness or coldness as measured on a scale

2 : abnormally high body heat : fever

Word Root of temperature

The Latin word temperāre, meaning “to make mild,” “to control,” or “to soften,” gives us the root temper. Words from the Latin temperāre have something to do with mildness or control. To temper is to soften or make something less strong or difficult. Someone temperamental has little control over her or his mood and reactions to people and events. Temperature, or the degree of hotness or coldness, tells whether something is mild, too hot, or too cold.