atmospheric

adjective

at·​mo·​spher·​ic ˌat-mə-ˈsfir-ik 

-ˈsfer-

1

a

: of, relating to, or occurring in the atmosphere

atmospheric dust

b

: resembling the atmosphere : airy

2

: having, marked by, or contributing aesthetic or emotional atmosphere

an atmospheric inn

also : marked by an emphasis on impression or tone

atmospherically

ˌat-mə-ˈsfir-i-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈsfer-

adverb

Examples of atmospheric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That disturbance can travel eastward from the Tibetan Plateau as a large-scale atmospheric wave, known as a Tibetan Plateau-Rocky Mountain Wave train. — Yongkang Xue, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

Scientists would still need to prove the yeast can survive real Martian radiation and atmospheric stress. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Warm ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions (such as high humidity and unstable air temperatures that change rapidly) make the perfect storm for hurricane development. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Fog has an eerie and enchanting way of coloring how humans perceive our surroundings—and scientists are discovering that the atmospheric phenomenon may remake microbes’ experience of their environment, too. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

atmosphere + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing atmospheric

• atmospheric river

Rhymes for atmospheric

• allosteric
• amphoteric
• anomeric
• chromospheric
• climacteric
• congeneric
• dysenteric
• esoteric
• exoteric
• isomeric
• lithospheric
• mesenteric

Kids Definition

atmospheric

adjective

at·​mo·​spher·​ic ˌat-mə-ˈsfi(ə)r-ik 

-ˈsfer-

: of or relating to the atmosphere

atmospheric pressure

atmospherically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb