temperature

noun

tem·per·a·ture | \ ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r

, ˈtem-pə-, -p(ə-)rə-, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r

Definition of temperature

1a : 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

2a : relative state of emotional warmth scandals raised the political temperature

b : mood testing the temperature of voters

3 archaic

a : complexion sense 1

b : temperament sense 1a

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 on the Web

In the meantime, temperatures are not expected to warm up much though the sun could be out, the weather service said. — Christine Clarridge, The Seattle Times, "Snow, ice, school closures in Seattle area — and there’s more on the way," 5 Feb. 2019 In Iowa, the coldest temperatures in over two decades are expected to create wind chills of between minus 35 degrees and minus 55 degrees Tuesday night through Thursday morning. — Kris Maher, WSJ, "Midwest Prepares for Subzero Polar Vortex," 28 Jan. 2019 Wind shear and cooler ocean temperatures are expected to weaken it over the next few days. — Fox News, "The Latest: Hurricane Norman passing Hawaii, Olivia nearing," 6 Sep. 2018 As cattle farmers struggle with rising temperatures, scientists are scrambling to find solutions. — WSJ, "Audio Series: The Price of Climate," 4 Jan. 2019 Experts have said that climate change is causing more large-scale wildfires, as these weather patterns are linked to rising global temperatures. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "How to Help People Affected by California Wildfires," 12 Nov. 2018 Coral reefs are facing many threats, including agricultural runoff, coastal development, overfishing and rising sea temperatures. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Coral Reefs Need Fewer Rats and More Bird Poo," 12 July 2018 But the cold front should lower the temperature and quell any storms, right? — Zachary Hansen, ajc, "THURSDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Storm chances ramp up as cold front approaches," 12 July 2018 Something as simple as adding weather stripping to doors and windows is a relatively inexpensive way to retain your home’s internal temperature, often paying for itself in energy savings within a year. — Barbara Eldredge, Curbed, "How to save on utility bills," 25 Jan. 2019

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.