What does "climate" mean?

1. (general mood or situation) the general feeling, mood, or situation in a place or among a group of people. 2. (a specific region) a place or region that has a certain type of weather.

climate

US //ˈkɫaɪmət// UK //klˈaɪmət// cli·mate

1 general mood or situation (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

In the current economic climate, many small businesses are struggling to secure the loans they need for expansion.
2 a specific region (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

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

Origin

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

Idioms1 entry

01
chilly climate
A male-dominated environment where both overt and subtle forms of discrimination lead to the unequal treatment of women