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
archaic
a
: complexion sense 4
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
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.
With temperatures in the low 80s last week at Copenhagen Fashion Week, street stylers were modeling their summertime best, and the sun wasn’t the only thing that was out. — Irene Kim, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026 During totality, the sky darkens significantly, temperatures drop and bright stars and planets can even become visible. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Thursday and Friday are expected to be the coolest days of the week, with temperatures ranging from the mid to high 80s in the Valley, roughly 80 degrees in downtown Los Angeles and in the low 70s near the coast. — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 The record was fueled by El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean—this climate event is typically marked by warmer ocean temperatures. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing temperature

Browse Nearby Words

temperate zone
temperature
temperature coefficient
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Temperature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperature. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of temperature for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about temperature

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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