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barometer

noun
ba·​rom·​e·​ter | \ bə-ˈrä-mə-tər How to pronounce barometer (audio) \

Definition of barometer

1 : an instrument for determining the pressure of the atmosphere and hence for assisting in forecasting weather and for determining altitude (see altitude sense 1a)
2 : something that indicates fluctuations (as in public opinion) housing sales and other economic barometers
3 : standard, test a barometer to measure high school talent— Jeff Fellenzer
Other Words from barometer Synonyms When did barometer become figurative? More Example Sentences Learn More about barometer

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Other Words from barometer

barometric \ ˌber-​ə-​ˈme-​trik How to pronounce barometric (audio) , ˌba-​rə-​ \ adjective
barometrically \ ˌber-​ə-​ˈme-​tri-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce barometrically (audio) \ adverb
barometry \ bə-​ˈrä-​mə-​trē How to pronounce barometry (audio) \ noun

When did barometer become figurative?

Originally, barometer referred to an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure. Although this meaning is still very much in use, the word has taken on a strongly figurative sense denoting something that signals changes in conditions not necessarily related to the weather. This extended use of barometer has existed since at least the early 18th century, when Isaac Bickerstaff used it in an article in The Tatler: “I have an Engine in my Study, which is a Sort of a Political Barometer, or, to speak more intelligibly, a State Weather-Glass.”

Examples of barometer in a Sentence

a legendary Broadway flop that has subsequently become the barometer by which failure in the theater is judged

Recent Examples on the Web

 This drew gasps from the audience— the television fans did not see that coming, at least—and provided an intriguing barometer for modern taboos. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, "The Nostalgic End of Fleabag," 30 Aug. 2019 Check-in Breaking my Elkhart: Elkhart, Indiana, the RV production capital of the United States, is often used as an economic barometer for the rest of the country and right now, things aren’t looking great. — cleveland.com, "Worrying economic signs in the heartland point to a recession: The Flyover," 19 Aug. 2019 The Oilers and Eagles battle difficult opponents this week which should serve as an accurate barometer of what Pearland and Dawson need to address post-scrimmage. — Ted Dunnam, Houston Chronicle, "Football: Pearland, Dawson coaches pleased with opening week of practice," 19 Aug. 2019 First, the dollar, which is a barometer of risk appetite. — The Economist, "Markets are braced for a global downturn," 17 Aug. 2019 The annual ranking is a barometer of dynamism in the economy. — David Meyer, Fortune, "Fortune’s Fastest-Growing Company: CEO Daily," 15 Aug. 2019 Another important barometer of positive portrayal that Yuen examined in her book was relationships, and whether an Asian character had a personal life on a show. — Rachel Yang, Teen Vogue, "Unintelligent Asians Are Smart for Television," 8 Aug. 2019 So one of the best barometers for YouTube’s metric is its Kids app, which places videos front and center once a viewer logs in. — Mark Bergen, Los Angeles Times, "YouTube boosting ‘quality’ kids’ videos wreaked havoc on some channels," 1 Aug. 2019 The reality is that the show is something of a political barometer, widely seen as the main indicator of the Kremlin’s current mood. — Washington Post, "With falling popularity, Russia’s Putin has tried softer touch. But will it last?," 19 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'barometer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of barometer

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for barometer

barometer

noun
How to pronounce barometer (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of barometer

: an instrument that is used to measure air pressure and predict changes in the weather
: something that is used to indicate or predict something

See the full definition for barometer in the English Language Learners Dictionary

barometer

noun
ba·​rom·​e·​ter | \ bə-ˈrä-mə-tər How to pronounce barometer (audio) \

Kids Definition of barometer

: an instrument that measures air pressure and is used to forecast changes in the weather

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More from Merriam-Webster on barometer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for barometer

Spanish Central: Translation of barometer

Nglish: Translation of barometer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about barometer

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