temperature
noun
tem·per·a·ture
ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r 
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
The roosting habitat and temperatures vary with elevation, and where there is water there are bugs galore.
—
Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024
Since May 14, Miami has endured overnight and afternoon temperatures have either tied or broke the city’s record.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for temperature 
Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024
Since May 14, Miami has endured overnight and afternoon temperatures have either tied or broke the city’s record.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for temperature
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'temperature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near temperature
Cite this Entry
“Temperature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperature. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.
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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