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 Crafted to infuse any environment with a warm, welcoming glow, the unique spiral filaments provide a cozy atmosphere perfect for evenings all year round. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2024 Some Christians take on a somber attitude and maintain a quiet atmosphere in their homes with little to no entertainment or extracurricular activities, while others may play music and bake hot cross buns, a traditional Good Friday sweet. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Mar. 2024 Travelers can enjoy a laidback vacation with comfortable temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere: hop on a bike and explore the area; spend time sailing, hiking, and fishing; or take a walk to admire all of the islands' natural beauty, from the mountains to the lakes. Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2024 The afternoon sun is shining through the dusty windows and there’s a cheery atmosphere to the day drinking at Joe Jost’s. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 The family’s interpretation of this behavior, Kamensky argues, would have been subject to a reigning pop-psychoanalytical atmosphere not well equipped to help any of them. Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 The average Martian temperature is minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62 degrees Celsius), and its meager atmosphere is nearly all carbon dioxide. Amy J. Williams, Discover Magazine, 16 Mar. 2024 Melding real subjects with a dramatized visual approach grants de facto permission for mood, tone and atmosphere to become key drivers of Moser’s cinematic experience, as opposed to charging out the gate with an academic mission statement. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 9 Mar. 2024 Some of the light passing through Earth's atmosphere reaches the moon's surface, giving the moon an orange or reddish color. The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atmosphere.' 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

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 28 Mar. 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

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