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
As temperature rises, these vibrations intensify, creating a more chaotic, more resistant barrier that paradoxically hardens the metal’s surface against high-speed stress.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
The prolonged below-freezing temperatures prevented the snow pack from melting for an extended time, reflecting sunlight and limiting natural warming, keeping it colder and the energy demand higher, AccuWeather reported.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
Black Tea Like green tea, black tea is from the Camellia sinensis plant, but is brewed at a higher temperature and boasts a more bitter taste.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
The same plant or seeds will flourish when started weeks later when the soil has warmed up Soil temperature is especially important for flowering annuals and vegetables; many are classified as being better suited to cooler or warmer soil.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperature
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
The prolonged below-freezing temperatures prevented the snow pack from melting for an extended time, reflecting sunlight and limiting natural warming, keeping it colder and the energy demand higher, AccuWeather reported.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
Black Tea Like green tea, black tea is from the Camellia sinensis plant, but is brewed at a higher temperature and boasts a more bitter taste.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
The same plant or seeds will flourish when started weeks later when the soil has warmed up Soil temperature is especially important for flowering annuals and vegetables; many are classified as being better suited to cooler or warmer soil.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperature
Cite this Entry
“Temperature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperature. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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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