temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r  ˈtem-pə- 

-p(ə-)rə-, 

-chər, 

-ˌtyu̇r, 

-ˌtu̇r

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 sense 4

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

During an El Niño, there are warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures that impact the upper air pattern, specifically looking at the Pacific jet stream. —Lisa Meadows, CBS News, 16 June 2026

In July 2023, a 57-year-old woman died after becoming unconscious during an eight-mile hike in the remote Tuweep area of Grand Canyon National Park, where temperatures were above 100 degrees, according to the NPS. —Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026

While temperatures will gradually decline later in the week, Fresno’s highest temperatures are expected to remain above 90 degrees through Friday before more seasonable conditions arrive over the weekend. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026

From northern Washington to California’s Central Valley, high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit could challenge or break a dozen daily record highs, including in the Portland and Seattle metro areas. —Francie Ebert, NBC news, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin temperātūra "mixture of substances in proper proportion, adjustment between extremes, mean," from temperātus, past participle of temperāre "to moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing, maintain in a state of balance" + -ūra -ure — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing temperature

• body temperature
• color temperature
• dry bulb temperature
• raise/lower the temperature
• room temperature
• run a temperature
• take someone's temperature
• temperature inversion

Kids Definition

temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r  ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər

1

: the degree of hotness or coldness of something (as air, water, or the body) as shown by a thermometer

2

: fever sense 1a

have a temperature

Medical Definition

temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r  -p(ə-)rə- 

-chər, 

-ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r

1

: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale see thermometer

2

a

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

a normal oral temperature of about 98.6°F

b

: a condition of abnormally high body heat

was running a temperature