weather

1 of 3

noun

weath·​er ˈwe-t͟hər 

1

: the state of the atmosphere with respect to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm, clearness or cloudiness

2

: state or vicissitude of life or fortune

3

: disagreeable atmospheric conditions: such as

a

: rain, storm

b

: cold air with dampness

4

: weathering

weather

2 of 3

verb

weathered; weathering

ˈwet͟h-riŋ,

ˈwe-t͟hə- 

transitive verb

1

: to expose to the open air : subject to the action of the elements

2

: to bear up against and come safely through

weather a storm

weather a crisis

intransitive verb

: to undergo or endure the action of the elements

weather

3 of 3

adjective

: of or relating to the side facing the wind compare lee

Phrases

to weather

: in the direction from which the wind is blowing

under the weather

1

: ill

2

: drunk sense 1a

Synonyms

Verb

• ride (out)
• survive

Examples of weather in a Sentence

Noun

The weather today will be hot and dry.

The hikers sought protection from the weather under an overhang.

It looks like we're in for some weather tomorrow.

We'll take a look at the weather right after this commercial break.

Check the weather before you make plans.

Verb

The wood on the porch has weathered over the years.

They weathered a terrible storm while at sea.

He has weathered the criticism well.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Given the persistent dry weather in New Jersey since mid-August, ending the drought conditions would require several months of at least average rainfall, if not substantially more, said Shawn LaTourette, the state’s commissioner of environmental protection. —Melissa Chan, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

The wet weather had tapered off by Monday afternoon, leading to clear skies and sunny, albeit cool conditions. —Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024

Verb

Amid the growing lack of faith in government institutions, Sanders said, major cuts to research or to weather or disaster agencies could further erode trust. —Denise Chow, NBC News, 3 Nov. 2024

The episode concludes with both Hal and Stuart weathering the fireworks display at the party. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

Adjective

According to Stephen Clark, this was SpaceX's first non-weather, non-range terminal countdown abort since NROL-108 in December 2020. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 22 July 2022

And now people with a non-weather background reference it, too. —Jennifer Sangalang, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English weder, from Old English; akin to Old High German wetar weather, Old Church Slavic vetrŭ wind

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1582, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing weather

• a break in the weather
• fair-weather
• keep a weather eye on
• make heavy weather of
• stormy weather
• the weather
• weather-beaten
• weather-bound
• weather bureau
• weather deck
• weather eye
• weather map
• weather permitting
• weather ship
• weather station
• weather strip
• weather the storm
• weather vane
• weather-wise

Kids Definition

weather

1 of 3 noun

weath·​er ˈwet͟h-ər 

1

: the state of the atmosphere in regard to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm, clearness or cloudiness

2

: disagreeable atmospheric conditions

stormy weather

weather

2 of 3 verb

weathered; weathering ˈwet͟h-(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to change by exposure to the weather

shingles weathered to a silvery gray

2

: to bear up against and come safely through

weather a storm

weather

3 of 3 adjective

: windward entry 1