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

California’s current public health monitoring protocol includes daily temperature checks, assessment for any symptoms consistent with hantavirus, and direction to modify activities as necessary. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026

This Canary Island is considered the archipelago’s top hiking destination, especially in winter when January and February temperatures reach around 22°C. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026

Some crater rims stand tall enough to receive unending sunlight, and others endure eternal darkness in their depths, with temperatures well below –328 degrees Fahrenheit. —Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 11 May 2026

This top has a similar scoop neckline and is made from a cotton blend for a breathable and comfortable fit in warmer temperatures. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 11 May 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