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.
By week's end, daily high temperature records could fall in parts of the West, where places like Denver could top 100 degrees. Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 18 June 2025 The global average atmospheric temperature increase relative to pre-industrial times was 1.35 degrees Celsius in 2024. Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Extreme drought conditions, combined with hot and dry temperatures caused the blaze to grow on Monday, the U.S. Forest Service said in an update Tuesday. Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 17 June 2025 However, the high temperature is expected to drop to 82 degrees by opening day Friday and 68 degrees on Saturday, with a 30% chance of rain. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 June 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 23 Jun. 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
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