calm

1 of 3

noun

ˈkäm How to pronounce calm (audio) ˈkälm How to pronounce calm (audio)
ˈkam,
ˈkȯ(l)m
1
a
: a period or condition of freedom from storms, high winds, or rough activity of water
a sailing ship motionless in the calm
b
: complete absence of wind or presence of wind having a speed no greater than one mile (1.6 kilometers) per hour see Beaufort Scale Table
2
: a state of tranquility
At dusk a quiet calm settled over the town.

calm

2 of 3

verb

calmed; calming; calms

intransitive verb

: to become calm
usually used with down
The mayor asked the protesters to calm down so he could speak.

transitive verb

: to make calm
often used with down
calm him down; get him to be reasonableS. H. Adams

calm

3 of 3

adjective

1
: marked by calm : still
a calm sea
2
: free from agitation, excitement, or disturbance
calmly adverb
calmness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for calm

calm, tranquil, serene, placid, peaceful mean quiet and free from disturbance.

calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

Examples of calm in a Sentence

Noun After two days of violent protests, the mayor appealed for calm. The calm was broken by another terrorist bombing. the calm of a church Police tried to restore calm after the riot. A quiet calm settled over the city. Verb His words were effective in calming her fears. The medicine helped calm her breathing. Adjective The teacher asked us to remain calm after the fire alarm went off. Let's try to have a calm discussion about your grades.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In the United States, many Major League Baseball games feature long periods of calm, punctuated by cheering when there’s action on the field or the stadium organ plays a catchy tune. John Yoon Jun Michael Park Shawn Paik, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024 That rapprochement was supposed to signal a new era of regional calm. Gregg Carlstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2024 Participants will learn breathwork techniques, including belly breathing, as well as how to incorporate it day-to-day, with the goal of preserving a sense of calm and peace. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Once the initial period of calm has been established, the hope is that both sides will feel pressure to agree to something more permanent. Karen Deyoung, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Critics from the center and the right railed that, even as the country burned, Mélenchon hadn’t called for calm. Elisabeth Zerofsky, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 In doing so, the toy can help autistic children regulate their sensory needs and provide a sense of calm. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 But with nearly 100 growing gangs in the metropolitan area, the force just does not have the firepower or training to restore calm to the country, sources say. Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 The Westwood Drug Store and especially Hollis Johnson’s, the cozy 1950s-style diner in back, became an island of calm in a Jerry West world spinning off its axis. Scott Howard-Cooper., Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024
Verb
The migrant issue has calmed of late, and so have the irate — and occasionally expletive-strewn — messages that Mobolade was getting. Karin Brulliard, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 German citizens had grown accustomed to calm and order; now their society is agitated and their government unpredictable. Joseph De Weck, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024 The royal response hasn’t calmed things Throughout the whole controversy, official information from Kensington Palace, which is the London residence and office of Prince William and Kate, has been uneven. Aj Willingham, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 However, the incident didn't calm public discussion about the public's trust in the monarchy. Maria Mercedes Lara, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Lavender is thought to have calming and soothing properties, which could reduce stress and, as a result, limit headaches. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Health, 13 Mar. 2024 This hydrating essence calms skin post-cleanse and sets the rest of your routine up for success. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024 The softness in her voice is calming amid her chaotic schedule. Celeste Polanco, Essence, 13 Mar. 2024 The British royals had tried to calm concern and battle conspiracy theories about the health of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, with a photo shared by Kensington Palace on Sunday. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Skipper Bruce Bochy’s calm demeanor and overall managerial skills were a huge factor in last season’s championship. Staff and Wire Reports, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2024 Confidence: Medium High confidence in high levels of sunshine again for Monday with dry and fairly calm conditions expected. A. Camden Walker, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 The Fed’s balance sheet grew during the pandemic as the central bank purchased bonds in huge sums, first to calm markets and later to stimulate the economy. Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Feel wind, feel maybe some splashes of water, but all is calm, until, well, the storm. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Unlike the country’s other west coast destinations that can have rough seas and rocky coastlines, this popular beach town nestled against Banderas Bay promises gorgeous, calm, swimmable waters and soft, golden sand beaches. Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024 As a Live Production Director, Kayla is calm, collected, and able to take control of any situation, regardless of the many aspects that may be outside of her control. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 This idyllic beach is known for its calm waters and the chance to catch nesting turtles in summer. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024 Deep-sea sediments build in continuous layers during calm conditions but strong ocean currents disrupt this, leaving a visible stamp of their existence. Laura Paddison, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun, Verb, and Adjective

Middle English calme, probably ultimately from Old Spanish calma, from Late Latin cauma heat, from Greek kauma, from kaiein to burn

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of calm was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near calm

Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calm. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

calm

1 of 3 noun
1
a
: a period or state of freedom from storm, wind, or rough water
b
: complete lack of wind or the presence of wind of no more than one mile (1.6 kilometers) per hour
2
: a state of freedom from excitement or disturbance : peacefulness

calm

2 of 3 verb
: to make or become calm

calm

3 of 3 adjective
1
: marked by calm : still
a calm sea
2
: free from excitement or disturbance
a calm manner
calmly adverb
calmness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on calm

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