# Fahrenheit

/ˈfɛɹənˌhaɪt/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fahrenheit
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a scale for measuring temperature where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. It is mostly used in the United States.

For teachers: a thermometric scale on which the freezing point of water is 32 degrees and the boiling point is 212 degrees under standard atmospheric pressure. Primarily used in the United States and a few other jurisdictions.

## Examples

- The temperature today is 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Most American ovens are calibrated in Fahrenheit, so you may need to convert recipes from Celsius.
- While the scientific community and most nations have adopted the Celsius scale, the United States remains the largest economy to officially retain Fahrenheit for weather reporting and domestic use.

## Pitfalls

- Not "It is 20 Fahrenheits outside." but "It is 20 degrees Fahrenheit outside." — The word refers to the scale itself; specific measurements must be expressed as 'degrees Fahrenheit'.

## Usage notes

- Usually capitalised; often abbreviated as 'F' after a degree symbol.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.