temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce temperature (audio) ˈtem-pə- How to pronounce temperature (audio)
-p(ə-)rə-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
1
a
: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale
b
: the degree of heat that is natural to the body of a living being
c
: abnormally high body heat
running a temperature
2
a
: relative state of emotional warmth
scandals raised the political temperature
b
: mood
testing the temperature of voters
3

Examples of temperature in a Sentence

Water boils at a temperature of 212°F. The samples are kept at a constant temperature. The weatherman predicted unusually low temperatures for the area. the normal body temperature of 98.6°F
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.
In the evening, a slight chance of rain returns, with clouds and a dip in the temperature to about 37. James Barron, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 The dye-trapping sheets work in all water temperatures and can be used more than once. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2025 In Sweden, average annual temperatures are around 16°F to 75°, considerably cooler than in Los Angeles and New Orleans where temperatures between 70° and 80° are more common. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 As temperatures rise, the microorganism unleashes its brain-controlling, body-bursting mayhem on anything in its path. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperature

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin temperātūra "mixture of substances in proper proportion, adjustment between extremes, mean," from temperātus, past participle of temperāre "to moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing, maintain in a state of balance" + -ūra -ure — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of temperature was in 1533

Cite this Entry

“Temperature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperature. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

temperature

noun
tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce temperature (audio) ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce temperature (audio)
-chər
1
: the degree of hotness or coldness of something (as air, water, or the body) as shown by a thermometer
2
: fever sense 1a
have a temperature

Medical Definition

temperature

noun
tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce temperature (audio) -p(ə-)rə- How to pronounce temperature (audio)
-chər,
-ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r
1
: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale see thermometer
2
a
: the degree of heat that is natural to a living body
a normal oral temperature of about 98.6°F
b
: a condition of abnormally high body heat
was running a temperature

More from Merriam-Webster on temperature

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!