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 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 At its core are disclosures about emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide — emissions that trap heat within the Earth’s atmosphere, driving global temperatures higher. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Whether the new mixture of talent and tone provides enough rationale for Netflix to invest its relatively new money is debatable for a show whose appeal, beyond the general atmosphere, mostly boils down to smoke and mirrors. Brian Lowry, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 Solar radiation caught in Jupiter’s magnetic field charges up volcanic gasses in Io’s tenuous atmosphere, ejecting them into orbit. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 Guacamole is bursting with citrus and fresh onion, the chips ultra-thin and the atmosphere trendy casual, whether in the booths by the bar or on the airy patio. Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 Strong El Nino conditions in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, and other ocean conditions in both the Pacific and the Atlantic, influenced the upper atmosphere across North America. Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 With all that extra heat energy circulating around the atmosphere, meteorologists are documenting unprecedented weather conditions and rates of climatic change. The Arizona Republic, 6 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 19 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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