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
After a brief chance of early precipitation, Boston is likely in for a mostly dry week and warmer temperatures heading into next weekend, according to National Weather Service forecasts.
—
Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
To lay asphalt, contractors need warmer temperatures, and a final layer wasn’t put down in time for the cold winter season, when asphalt plants close, Brown said.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
Warmer air holds more water, and the relationship is exponential, so small increases in temperature can yield huge jumps in rainfall intensity.
—Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Vásquez didn’t factor in the decision after a defensive miscue led to the bullpen briefly losing the lead, but the emerging starting pitcher danced in and out of trouble in keeping the Red Sox at bay on an evening in which the wind chill dropped the temperature into the high 20s.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperature
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Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
To lay asphalt, contractors need warmer temperatures, and a final layer wasn’t put down in time for the cold winter season, when asphalt plants close, Brown said.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
Warmer air holds more water, and the relationship is exponential, so small increases in temperature can yield huge jumps in rainfall intensity.
—Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Vásquez didn’t factor in the decision after a defensive miscue led to the bullpen briefly losing the lead, but the emerging starting pitcher danced in and out of trouble in keeping the Red Sox at bay on an evening in which the wind chill dropped the temperature into the high 20s.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 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 8 Apr. 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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