ethereal
adjective
William Beebe
Did you know?
If you're burning to know the history of ethereal, you're in the right spirit to fully understand the word's etymology. The ancient Greeks believed that the Earth was composed of earth, air, fire, and water, but that the heavens and its denizens were made of a purer, less tangible substance known (in English transliteration) as either quintessence or ether. Ether was often described as an invisible light or fire; its name comes from the Greek verb aithein, meaning "to ignite" or "to blaze." When ethereal, the adjectival kin of ether, debuted in English in the 1500s, it described regions beyond the Earth or anything that seemed to originate from them.
Examples of ethereal in a Sentence
Annabelle Canela, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025
The pleated skirt further enforces the ethereal feel.
—Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
In my view, elegance is born from contrast: a sharp blazer with intricate embroidery or an ethereal dress with a structured detail.
—Felicity Carter, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Wishing everyone an ethereal weekend 💖 #throwback ⚡️ Before her death, Michelle Trachtenberg clapped back at people who were questioning her health and appearance.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ethereal
Cite this Entry
“Ethereal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethereal. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ethereal
adjective
Medical Definition
ethereal
adjective
Share