atmospheric

adjective

at·​mo·​spher·​ic ˌat-mə-ˈsfir-ik How to pronounce atmospheric (audio)
-ˈsfer-
1
a
: of, relating to, or occurring in the atmosphere
atmospheric dust
b
: resembling the atmosphere : airy
2
: having, marked by, or contributing aesthetic or emotional atmosphere
an atmospheric inn
also : marked by an emphasis on impression or tone
atmospherically
ˌat-mə-ˈsfir-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce atmospheric (audio)
-ˈsfer-
adverb

Examples of atmospheric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The feature, known as a decagon, is a weather phenomenon that NASA described as an atmospheric wave. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Wind, visibility, rain, snow, and other atmospheric conditions can keep the entire fleet on the ground, and the decision ultimately rests on whether conditions are safe for flying. — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 Similarly, experiments that Sanchez-Lavega and his colleagues performed with computer simulations of currents in shallow water suggest the decagon formed because of a meandering wave trapped by a curving atmospheric jet. — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026 As temperatures cool and the atmospheric pressure falls, Northern California and the Sacramento Valley is set for a splash of what will become increasingly familiar in a few months time — rain. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for atmospheric

Word History

Etymology

atmosphere + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of atmospheric was in 1722

Phrases Containing atmospheric

Rhymes for atmospheric

See All Rhymes for atmospheric

Browse Nearby Words

atmosphere
atmospheric
atmospheric absorption
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Atmospheric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atmospheric. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

atmospheric

adjective
at·​mo·​spher·​ic ˌat-mə-ˈsfi(ə)r-ik How to pronounce atmospheric (audio)
-ˈsfer-
: of or relating to the atmosphere
atmospheric pressure
atmospherically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce atmospheric (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All