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
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
On the new album, Russell Moore, a six-time IBMA male vocalist of the year winner known for his work as part of the seven-time IBMA vocal group of the year-winning group IIIrd Tyme Out, joins Union Station, adding his unmistakable voice alongside Krauss’s ethereal soprano.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2025
Because the table is white and everything else is made of clear glass, the effect is ethereal to the point of disappearance.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
The new partnership draws from the House of Gilles’ ethereal couture bridal designs and Casadei’s signature style to serve up refined and stylish shoes.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 2025.
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ethereal
adjective
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