atmosphere

noun

at·mo·sphere ˈat-mə-ˌsfir

Synonyms of atmosphere next

: the gaseous envelope of a celestial body (such as a planet)

: the whole mass of air surrounding the earth

: the air of a locality

the stuffy atmosphere of the waiting room

: a surrounding influence or environment

an atmosphere of hostility

: a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch (101,325 pascals)

: the overall aesthetic effect of a work of art

: an intriguing or singular tone, effect, or appeal

an inn with atmosphere

atmosphered

ˈat-mə-ˌsfird

adjective

Example Sentences

Experts have noticed changes in the atmosphere. Meteoroids burn up as they pass through Earth's atmosphere. The planets have different atmospheres. a country inn with lots of atmosphere The food was good but the restaurant has no atmosphere.

Recent Examples on the Web Packaging Modified atmosphere packaging technology keeps meals fresh in the fridge for 4-7 days; returnable package program available in LA and NY. —

Talene Appleton, Men's Health, 20 Mar. 2023 The auditorium was full, and had the atmosphere of a Democratic Party victory lap. —

Emily Witt, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2023 The toxic atmosphere at the top contributed to damaging operational missteps. —

Marion Halftermeyer, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2023 The first step to getting that comfortable diner atmosphere is setting the stage with your design. —

Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2023 Scientists made the discovery after poring over archival radar images of Venus (the thick Venusian atmosphere makes any direct observation impossible) taken more than 30 years ago, in the 1990s, by NASA’s Magellan mission. —

David Bressan, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2023 Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 7 Stowe, Vermont Stowe, Vermont is a charming New England town that’s known for its Winter sports atmosphere. —

James Barrett, Redbook, 16 Mar. 2023 What has the atmosphere at the World Baseball Classic been like? —

Sportsday Staff, Dallas News, 16 Mar. 2023 The Sun also regulates the dose of cosmic rays inflicted on our atmosphere. —

Howard Lee, Ars Technica, 15 Mar. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'atmosphere.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

earlier in Latinate form atmo-sphæra, from Greek atmós "steam, vapor" (probably contracted from aetmós, of uncertain origin) + -o- -o- + Latin sphaera sphere entry 1

Note: The word atmo-sphæra was apparently introduced by the English clergyman and natural philosopher John Wilkins (1614-72) in The Discovery of a World in the Moone (London, 1638), p. 138: "Proposition 10. That there is an Atmo-sphæra, or an orbe of grosse vaporous aire, immediately encompassing the body of the Moone."

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of atmosphere was in 1638

See more words from the same year