ambience

noun

am·​bi·​ence ˈam-bē-ən(t)s 

ˈäm-bē-än(t)s

variants or ambiance

: a feeling or mood associated with a particular place, person, or thing : atmosphere

The restaurant's soft music and candlelight gave it a romantic ambience.

Synonyms

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

Examples of ambience in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The show conjured a surreal ambience: part antique flea market, part mad-scientist laboratory. —Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024

Mix in some vintage staples (mirrors, picture frames, candle holders, etc.), and keep the lighting dim for a pleasant ambience. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024

Elements that don’t coincide with crafting a suffocating ambience, and yet here is David Lynch in full command of tone at its most horrifying: the Winkie’s Diner scene in Mulholland Drive. —Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024

The event unfolded at M2 Miami on Friday (Oct. 18), encapsulating an ambience that appealed to all senses. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

in part from ambi(ent) entry 1 + -ence, in part borrowed from French ambiance (from ambiant "ambient" + -ance -ance)

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ambience

noun

am·​bi·​ence

variants or ambiance

ˈam-bē-ən(t)s  ˈäm-bē-än(t)s 

: a feeling or mood that is related to a particular place, person, or thing