atmospheric

adjective

at·​mo·​spher·​ic ˌat-mə-ˈsfir-ik 

-ˈsfer-

1

a

: of, relating to, or occurring in the atmosphere

atmospheric dust

b

: resembling the atmosphere : airy

2

: having, marked by, or contributing aesthetic or emotional atmosphere

an atmospheric inn

also : marked by an emphasis on impression or tone

atmospherically

ˌat-mə-ˈsfir-i-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈsfer-

adverb

Examples of atmospheric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But in the 1980s, the music’s heyday, the phrase denoted an array of artists and tendencies while also conjuring something more atmospheric. —Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026

In its time orbiting Earth, Hubble has shaped our understanding of the universe by observing the atmospheric composition of planets around other stars and even discovering dark energy – a mysterious force that causes the universe to expand. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

And as a result, there is no atmospheric pressure, which means that without a medium like air or molecules to carry vibrations, sound cannot travel. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026

The upstairs space is especially atmospheric, with floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with bottles that seem to glow. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

atmosphere + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing atmospheric

• atmospheric river

Rhymes for atmospheric

• allosteric
• amphoteric
• anomeric
• chromospheric
• climacteric
• congeneric
• dysenteric
• esoteric
• exoteric
• isomeric
• lithospheric
• mesenteric

Kids Definition

atmospheric

adjective

at·​mo·​spher·​ic ˌat-mə-ˈsfi(ə)r-ik 

-ˈsfer-

: of or relating to the atmosphere

atmospheric pressure

atmospherically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb