Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

the ether

noun

Definition of the ether

: the sky
  • The balloon disappeared into the ether.
  • plucked an answer out of the ether
—used especially when describing electronic signals that travel through the air
  • broadcasting radio signals into the ether
  • sent a message over/through the ether

Word by Word Definitions

ether play

  1. : the rarefied element formerly believed to fill the upper regions of space

  2. : the upper regions of space : heavens

  3. : a light volatile flammable liquid C4H10O used chiefly as a solvent and especially formerly as an anesthetic

See the full definition of ether

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up the ether? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games