atmosphere
noun
at·mo·sphere
ˈat-mə-ˌsfir 
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
Synonyms
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
Once the atmosphere responds to changes in oceanic temperature, more tropical rain tends to fall in Asia and Australia.
—
Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
As the air passes over unfrozen waters, warmth and moisture move into the lowest portion of the atmosphere.
—Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
The holidays are all about joy and celebration, so make sure the atmosphere reflects that!
—Monica Gomez, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
However, the atmosphere was calmer than the previous week when Corpus appeared to surprise the board by appearing in person at a special meeting to censure her and call for her resignation, dismissing the resignation demands as politically motivated.
—Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for atmosphere 
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.
Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
As the air passes over unfrozen waters, warmth and moisture move into the lowest portion of the atmosphere.
—Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
The holidays are all about joy and celebration, so make sure the atmosphere reflects that!
—Monica Gomez, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
However, the atmosphere was calmer than the previous week when Corpus appeared to surprise the board by appearing in person at a special meeting to censure her and call for her resignation, dismissing the resignation demands as politically motivated.
—Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for atmosphere
Articles Related to atmosphere
Dictionary Entries Near atmosphere
Cite this Entry
“Atmosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atmosphere. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
atmosphere
noun
at·mo·sphere
ˈat-mə-ˌsfi(ə)r
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
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share