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

Apart from light fixtures, using a range of different light sources, such as floor and table lamps or wall lights, can help create a cozy ambience. —Nadia Lopez, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025

One of the easiest ways to bring the outside in is by incorporating unique houseplants, floral arrangements, and ceramic planters for a fresh, organic ambience in your interiors. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 17 Jan. 2025

The Irish singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist presents the originals beneath a veil of ambience and reverb, embedding a nostalgic in the fabric of her homespun renditions. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 10 Jan. 2025

Shaded picnic tables twinkle with Edison string lights overhead, and a huge wood-burning fireplace adds kick-back ambience. —Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes, 23 Nov. 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