atmosphere

noun

at·​mo·​sphere ˈat-mə-ˌsfir How to pronounce atmosphere (audio)
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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The presence of luminaries such as Clive Davis and Quincy Jones as music chairmen, along with show producer George Schlatter, created an atmosphere of star power that rivals even the top entertainment industry awards shows. Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 15 Dec. 2024 In the thick atmosphere, stray dogs fight with seabirds for scraps of offal and urinate against the barrels of blood and salt water where waiting fish float. Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2024 And the atmosphere that James’ sets have with all his collaborators is very supportive to ideas and creativity. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024 Edie had traveled to the famous Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, UK, to soak up the atmosphere of a Taylor Swift concert. Kendall Malinchock, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for atmosphere 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of atmosphere was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near atmosphere

Cite this Entry

“Atmosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atmosphere. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

atmosphere

noun
at·​mo·​sphere ˈat-mə-ˌsfi(ə)r How to pronounce atmosphere (audio)
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 How to pronounce atmosphere (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on atmosphere

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!