atmosphere

noun

at·​mo·​sphere ˈat-mə-ˌsfir 

1

a

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

b

: the whole mass of air surrounding the earth

2

: the air of a locality

the stuffy atmosphere of the waiting room

3

: a surrounding influence or environment

an atmosphere of hostility

4

: 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)

5

a

: the overall aesthetic effect of a work of art

b

: an intriguing or singular tone, effect, or appeal

an inn with atmosphere

atmosphered

ˈat-mə-ˌsfird 

adjective

Synonyms

• air
• ambience
• ambiance
• aroma
• aura
• climate
• flavor
• halo
• karma
• mood
• nimbus
• note
• odor
• patina
• smell
• temper
• vibration(s)

Examples of atmosphere in a Sentence

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

When our planet interacts with that rubble river, those comet bits race through Earth's atmosphere at high speeds: 41 miles (66 km) per second, to produce the shooting star effect. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 May 2025

Even the ultra-competitive summer atmosphere on the island of Santorini—a 40-minute ferry from Ios—mellows at this time of year. —Lee Cobaj, Robb Report, 1 May 2025

While the residence has a jewel-box atmosphere, with luxurious emerald green drapes, ruby red bathroom tiles, Murano chandeliers, and beautifully patterned throw pillows on the couches and beds, that balcony is a total scene stealer. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025

Re-entering Earth's atmosphere 53 years later Unlike typical space junk, Kosmos 482's descent module was built to last. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025

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

Phrases Containing atmosphere

• clear the atmosphere

Rhymes for atmosphere

• biosphere
• centromere
• chemosphere
• chromosphere
• hemisphere
• hydrosphere
• lithosphere
• mesosphere
• microsphere
• miserere
• mountaineer
• photosphere

Kids Definition

atmosphere

noun

at·​mo·​sphere ˈat-mə-ˌsfi(ə)r 

1

a

: the whole mass of air surrounding the earth

b

: a mass of gases surrounding a heavenly body (as a planet)

2

: the air in a particular place

the stuffy atmosphere of this room

3

a

: a surrounding influence or set of conditions

a friendly atmosphere

b

: the main mood or feeling in a creative work

c

: a unique or appealing effect or mood

a restaurant with atmosphere

4

: a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or about 10 newtons per square centimeter (about 14.7 pounds per square inch)

Etymology

derived from Greek atmos "vapor" and Latin sphaera "sphere"

Medical Definition

atmosphere

noun

at·​mo·​sphere ˈat-mə-ˌsfi(ə)r 

1

: the whole mass of air surrounding the earth

2

: the air of a locality

3

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

atmospheric

ˌat-mə-ˈsfi(ə)r-ik, -ˈsfer- 

adjective