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

This is a sculpture when not playing music, a spectacular device that contributes ambience. —Sofia Goldstein, SPIN, 6 Nov. 2024

Achieve instant ambience with spooky mist wafting across your terrace, through your yard, or across a table or buffet. —Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2024

Although inclusive and welcoming, the 1960s Tokyo salary-man theme, with nods to Ian Fleming’s novels, lends it a sophisticated ambience. —Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

Designed to look like a lotus flower, reviewers say the warming light glows through the crackled glass and creates the most wonderful ambience. —Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 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