English Reference
noun

climate

n.
US /ˈkɫaɪmət/ UK /klˈaɪmət/ cli·mate UK spelling climate's, climate's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the general feeling, mood, or situation in a place or among a group of people.

    the prevailing trend of public opinion or the general social, political, or economic atmosphere.

    Simple

    The current political climate makes it difficult for the two parties to agree.

    In context

    In the current economic climate, many small businesses are struggling to secure the loans they need for expansion.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    a place or region that has a certain type of weather.

    a region or area characterized by a particular set of climatic conditions.

    Simple

    They decided to move to a warmer climate to help with his health.

    In context

    The explorer spent years documenting the flora and fauna found only in these remote, tropical climates.

    regionclime

Usage climate change · climate crisis · climate breakdown


From Middle English climat, from Old French climat, from Latin clima, from Ancient Greek κλίμα (klíma, “latitude”, literally “inclination”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek κλίμα
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated