barometer

noun

ba·​rom·​e·​ter bə-ˈrä-mə-tər How to pronounce barometer (audio)
1
: an instrument for determining the pressure of the atmosphere and hence for assisting in forecasting weather and for determining altitude (see altitude sense 1a)
2
: something that indicates fluctuations (as in public opinion)
housing sales and other economic barometers
3
: standard, test
a barometer to measure high school talentJeff Fellenzer
barometric adjective
barometrically adverb
barometry noun

Did you know?

When did barometer become figurative?

Originally, barometer referred to an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure. Although this meaning is still very much in use, the word has taken on a strongly figurative sense denoting something that signals changes in conditions not necessarily related to the weather. This extended use of barometer has existed since at least the early 18th century, when Isaac Bickerstaff used it in an article in The Tatler: “I have an Engine in my Study, which is a Sort of a Political Barometer, or, to speak more intelligibly, a State Weather-Glass.”

Examples of barometer in a Sentence

a legendary Broadway flop that has subsequently become the barometer by which failure in the theater is judged
Recent Examples on the Web Next week’s local elections are seen as a barometer for how the parties will fare in the general election. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024 The bill’s outcome is a barometer of how serious American politicians are about dealing with the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. The Editors, National Review, 8 Apr. 2024 The report ranks the destinations based on a barometer that takes the local price of eight tourist essentials into consideration—including coffee, beer, cola, wine, water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a three-course meal. Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024 Enthusiasm is one of many barometers that bear watching between now and Election Day. Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2024 Biden aides contend that the question — like other polling barometers of presidential performance — has been overtaken by partisanship. Zeke Miller, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024 Mariners watched barometers plummet as heavy snows swept across the state with accompanying falling temperatures and severe gales. Frederick N. Rasmussen, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2024 The firm’s barometer on how corporate return-to-office policies is going has been hovering around that level for 13 months. Joseph Mysak Jr., Fortune, 10 Feb. 2024 Conceived by Harley Earl, head of GM’s Art & Color Department in the middle of the last century, the original Motorama showcased what potential customers might be able to expect in the future, but also served as a barometer to gauge the public’s interest in various stylistic features and amenities. Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'barometer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of barometer was in 1632

Dictionary Entries Near barometer

Cite this Entry

“Barometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barometer. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

barometer

noun
ba·​rom·​e·​ter bə-ˈräm-ət-ər How to pronounce barometer (audio)
: an instrument that measures the pressure of the atmosphere to determine probable weather changes
barometric adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on barometer

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