temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce temperature (audio) ˈtem-pə- How to pronounce temperature (audio)
-p(ə-)rə-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
1
a
: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale
b
: the degree of heat that is natural to the body of a living being
c
: abnormally high body heat
running a temperature
2
a
: relative state of emotional warmth
scandals raised the political temperature
b
: mood
testing the temperature of voters
3

Examples of temperature in a Sentence

Water boils at a temperature of 212°F. The samples are kept at a constant temperature. The weatherman predicted unusually low temperatures for the area. the normal body temperature of 98.6°F
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 highest low temperature on record of 50 degrees in 1921. Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 14 Mar. 2025 Wildfire season peaks in the fall, between October and November, and the spring, between March and May, when dry conditions, warming temperatures and increased winds after winter make wildfires more likely. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 The intrigue: Blossoms could come sooner, if forecasts for above-average temperatures pan out for the rest of March, Vince Marrocco, director of horticulture at Morris Arboretum and Gardens, tells Axios. Mike D'onofrio, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025 This meticulous pouring process has spawned dedicated enthusiasts like the trio behind New York State of Pint, who anonymously rate New York City's best pints of Guinness using a scoring system that evaluates taste, pour quality, glassware, temperature and bar ambiance. Ed O'Keefe, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperature

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin temperātūra "mixture of substances in proper proportion, adjustment between extremes, mean," from temperātus, past participle of temperāre "to moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing, maintain in a state of balance" + -ūra -ure — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of temperature was in 1533

Cite this Entry

“Temperature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperature. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

temperature

noun
tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce temperature (audio) ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce temperature (audio)
-chər
1
: the degree of hotness or coldness of something (as air, water, or the body) as shown by a thermometer
2
: fever sense 1a
have a temperature

Medical Definition

temperature

noun
tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce temperature (audio) -p(ə-)rə- How to pronounce temperature (audio)
-chər,
-ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r
1
: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale see thermometer
2
a
: the degree of heat that is natural to a living body
a normal oral temperature of about 98.6°F
b
: a condition of abnormally high body heat
was running a temperature

More from Merriam-Webster on temperature

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