tempered

adjective

tem·​pered ˈtem-pərd 

1

: treated by tempering

especially, of glass : treated so as to impart increased strength and the property of shattering into pellets when broken

2

: having a specified temper

—used in combination

short-tempered

3

a

: having the elements mixed in satisfying proportions : temperate

b

: qualified, lessened, or diluted by the mixture or influence of an additional ingredient : moderated

a pale gleam of tempered sunlight fell through the leaves

—W. H. Hudson †1922

4

: conforming to adjustment by temperament

—used of a musical interval, intonation, semitone, or scale

Examples of tempered in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The tempered glass top won’t break with regular wear and tear and holds up to 75 pounds. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Unlike tempered glass, which shatters easily, laminated glass is made of two thick pieces of glass sandwiching a type of durable resin called polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and is much more likely to hold together during impact. —Diana Hubbell, Popular Science, 21 Aug. 2025

This credit card-sized tracker is made from aluminum and tempered glass. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Check the label or manufacturer's instructions to make sure your glass is oven-safe, or made of tempered or borosilicate glass. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing tempered

• bad-tempered
• even-tempered
• good-tempered
• hot-tempered
• ill-tempered
• quick-tempered
• short-tempered

Rhymes for tempered

• distempered
• untempered

Kids Definition

tempered

adjective

tem·​pered ˈtem-pərd 

1

: made moderate

strictness tempered by compassion

2

: having a particular kind of temper

—used in combination

a bad-tempered dog

3

: brought to the desired state (as of hardness, toughness, or flexibility)

tempered steel

tempered glass