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climate

noun
cli·​mate | \ ˈklī-mət How to pronounce climate (audio) \

Definition of climate

1 : a region of the earth having specified climatic conditions His physician advised moving to a warmer climate.
2a : the average course or condition of the weather at a place usually over a period of years as exhibited by temperature, wind velocity, and precipitation a healthful climate a warm, humid climate
b : the prevailing set of conditions (as of temperature and humidity) indoors a climate-controlled office
3 : the prevailing influence or environmental conditions characterizing a group or period : atmosphere a climate of fear a climate of suspicion the cultural climate of the 1960s
Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about climate

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Did You Know?

If you stand at the equator, the celestial poles (the points in the sky directly above the North and South poles) lie on the horizon. As you move northward, the northern celestial pole gradually rises above the horizon, so the sky is in effect tilted. The ancient Greeks called this tilt klima, literally “slope,” “inclination.” Because the angle is determined by your latitude, klima came to mean “latitude,” and the earth was divided into seven latitudinal regions, called klimata. The word came into modern European languages as clime or climate, and the weather of a region was also called climate.

Examples of climate in a Sentence

living in a cold climate These trees only grow in humid climates. The country's climate is ideal for growing grapes. the humid climate of Malaysia A climate of fear prevails in the city. the country's changing economic climate The company is trying to develop a positive climate for innovation.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Pundits will have their eyes on how that dynamic plays out, but talking points to watch for where these tensions may come up include health care and climate change. — Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, "Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden are finally facing off in tonight's debate. Here's how to watch," 12 Sep. 2019 The roundtable of more than 20 advocates and activists weighed in on everything from climate change to the humanitarian crisis in the Bahamas, to the need to reform our education system. — Essence, "CBC: New Poll Says 83 Percent of Black Women Give Donald Trump An ‘F’ As President," 12 Sep. 2019 Moreover, the government cannot suddenly ignore climate change in listing decisions, as some have claimed. — Shawn Regan, National Review, "The New Endangered-Species Regulations Are Good for Species," 12 Sep. 2019 His fellowship related to disseminating information from scientific research on climate change and renewable energy. — Dave Orrick, Twin Cities, "UMN and local foundation scramble to address lawmaker’s hiring," 12 Sep. 2019 Happer was likely the only scientist to have briefed Trump on climate change. — Scott Waldman, Science | AAAS, "Why a high-profile climate science opponent quit Trump’s White House," 12 Sep. 2019 Everyone should realize climate change is a real thing. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE.com, "The Handmaid’s Tale Author Margaret Atwood’s Fear About Trump: 'We’re Losing Time on the Climate Crisis'," 12 Sep. 2019 A few years later, Pickens endorsed a Kerry proposal to limit climate change. — Cliff Brunt, chicagotribune.com, "T. Boone Pickens, oil tycoon and renewables advocate, dies at age 91," 11 Sep. 2019 The guest speaker will be Mike Cohen of Branford and of 350CT, the Connecticut branch of a global public advocacy group that promotes awareness of critical issues relating to global warming and climate change. — courant.com, "Community News For The Manchester Edition," 11 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'climate.' 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 climate

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for climate

Middle English climat, from Middle French, from Late Latin climat-, clima, from Greek klimat-, klima inclination, latitude, climate, from klinein to lean — more at lean

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More Definitions for climate

climate

noun
How to pronounce climate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of climate

: a region with particular weather patterns or conditions
: the usual weather conditions in a particular place or region
: the usual or most widespread mood or conditions in a place

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

climate

noun
cli·​mate | \ ˈklī-mət How to pronounce climate (audio) \

Kids Definition of climate

: the average weather conditions of a place over a period of years

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