ambience

noun

am·​bi·​ence ˈam-bē-ən(t)s 

ˈäm-bē-än(t)s

variants or ambiance

: a feeling or mood associated with a particular place, person, or thing : atmosphere

The restaurant's soft music and candlelight gave it a romantic ambience.

Synonyms

• air
• aroma
• atmosphere
• aura
• climate
• flavor
• halo
• karma
• mood
• nimbus
• note
• odor
• patina
• smell
• temper
• vibration(s)

Examples of ambience in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Willowbrook’s ambience encouraged senior citizens who had been widowed or divorced not to despair. —Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025

The superimposition highlighted a disconnect between the idealism of modern train travel in the nineteenth century and the station’s actual ambience. —Mara Hoberman, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025

Glamorous floral arrangements and neoclassical decor add an air of romanticism to the ambience, Richard said. —Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2025

While it’s marketed as a fall scent, this crowd-pleaser will also warm your home’s ambience at the holidays. —Clint Davis, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

in part from ambi(ent) entry 1 + -ence, in part borrowed from French ambiance (from ambiant "ambient" + -ance -ance)

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ambience

noun

am·​bi·​ence

variants or ambiance

ˈam-bē-ən(t)s  ˈäm-bē-än(t)s 

: a feeling or mood that is related to a particular place, person, or thing