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
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
Instead, the stage remained in orbit for nearly three weeks before falling back into the atmosphere on February 19, scattering debris fragments at several locations in Poland.
—
Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
In lieu of narrative progression, Lund is singularly intent on generating an atmosphere that makes the viewer feel like they’re perched in the bleachers.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Iron was eventually drained from the oceans, setting off a self-amplifying process where more and more oxygen was made available to accumulate in the atmosphere.
—David Bressan, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The blurb for the comic: Millions of miles from home, hundreds of ships descend into the stormy atmosphere of a hostile frozen world.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atmosphere
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Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
In lieu of narrative progression, Lund is singularly intent on generating an atmosphere that makes the viewer feel like they’re perched in the bleachers.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Iron was eventually drained from the oceans, setting off a self-amplifying process where more and more oxygen was made available to accumulate in the atmosphere.
—David Bressan, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The blurb for the comic: Millions of miles from home, hundreds of ships descend into the stormy atmosphere of a hostile frozen world.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atmosphere
Articles Related to atmosphere
Cite this Entry
“Atmosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atmosphere. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
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
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