temperature
noun
tem·per·a·ture
ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r 
ˈtem-pə-
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
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
By doing that, temperatures can be maintained evenly room by room, and no room feels a few degrees off.
—
Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Best Vintages from the Rhône Valley Despite an erratic growing season that saw a cool spring, intermittent summer hail in some areas, and soaring temperatures in August, 2023 turned out to be a good vintage for reds and an excellent vintage for whites.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Many have raised concerns about upcoming summer temperatures, with the island averaging 70 to 85 degrees this week.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Terbium adds temperature resiliency to magnets used in aircraft, submarines and missiles.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperature
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Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Best Vintages from the Rhône Valley Despite an erratic growing season that saw a cool spring, intermittent summer hail in some areas, and soaring temperatures in August, 2023 turned out to be a good vintage for reds and an excellent vintage for whites.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Many have raised concerns about upcoming summer temperatures, with the island averaging 70 to 85 degrees this week.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Terbium adds temperature resiliency to magnets used in aircraft, submarines and missiles.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperature
Cite this Entry
“Temperature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperature. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
temperature
noun
tem·per·a·ture
ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r
ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-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-
-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
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