temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r  ˈtem-pə- 

-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

archaic

a

: complexion sense 1

b

: temperament sense 1a

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

When the temperatures reach record highs, this mini handheld fan will be your savior (especially at festivals and parades). —Shalwah Evans, People.com, 25 May 2025

The normal high temperature for this time of year is about 75 degrees, according to National Weather Service data. —Amaia Gavica, Idaho Statesman, 24 May 2025

Saturday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, with the temperature reaching around 72 and winds blowing 8 to 14 mph, gusting up to 23 mph. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025

The weather also cooperated with early summer rain and good water reserves to get them through the warm summer growing season, and the daytime temperatures remained moderate with plenty of nighttime cool breezes. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 24 May 2025

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

Phrases Containing temperature

• body temperature
• color temperature
• dry bulb temperature
• raise/lower the temperature
• room temperature
• run a temperature
• take someone's temperature
• temperature inversion

Kids Definition

temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r  ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-ˌchu̇r 

-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  -p(ə-)rə- 

-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