Definition of 'weather'

Word Frequency

weather

(wɛðər )

Word forms: weathers, weathering, weathered

1. uncountable noun

The weather is the condition of the atmosphere in one area at a particular time, for example, if it is raining, hot, or windy.

The weather was bad.

I like cold weather.

2. transitive verb/intransitive verb

If something such as wood or rock weathers or is weathered, it changes color or shape as a result of the wind, sun, rain, or cold.

Unpainted wooden furniture weathers to a gray color.

3. transitive verb

If you weather a difficult time or a difficult situation, you survive it and are able to continue normally after it has passed or ended.

The company has weathered the recession.

Synonyms: withstand, stand, suffer, survive More Synonyms of weather

See under the weather

More Synonyms of weather

Video: pronunciation of
weather

weather in American English

(ˈwɛðər )

noun

the general condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, with regard to the temperature, moisture, cloudiness, etc.

disagreeable or harmful atmospheric conditions; storm, rain, etc.

protected against the weather

verb transitive

to expose to the action of weather or atmosphere, as for airing, drying or seasoning

to wear away, discolor, disintegrate, or otherwise change for the worse by exposure to the atmosphere

to pass through safely or survive

to weather a storm

to slope ( masonry, cornices, sills, etc.) so as to allow water to run off

7. Nautical

to pass to the windward of (a cape, reef, etc.)

verb intransitive

to become discolored, disintegrated, etc. by exposure to the weather or atmosphere

to endure such exposure in a specified manner

canvas that weathers well

adjective

10.

designating or of the side of a ship, etc. toward the wind; windward

11.

exposed to the elements

weather deck

Idioms:

make heavy weather of

under the weather

weather through

Word origin

ME weder < OE, akin to ON vethr, Ger wetter < IE base *we-, *awe-, to blow > wind2, OSlav vedro, fair weather

Word Frequency

weather in American English

(ˈweðər)

noun

the state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, pressure, etc

a strong wind or storm or strong winds and storms collectively

We've had some real weather this spring

a weathercast

The radio announcer will read the weather right after the commercial

4. (usually weathers)

changes or vicissitudes in one's lot or fortunes

She remained a good friend in all weathers

5. See under the weather

transitive verb

to expose to the weather; dry, season, or otherwise affect by exposure to the air or atmosphere

to weather lumber before marketing it

to discolor, disintegrate, or affect injuriously, as by the effects of weather

These crumbling stones have been weathered by the centuries

to bear up against and come safely through (a storm, danger, trouble, etc.)

to weather a severe illness

9. Nautical (of a ship, mariner, etc.)

to pass or sail to the windward of

to weather a cape

10. Architecture

to cause to slope, so as to shed water

intransitive verb

11.

to undergo change, esp. discoloration or disintegration, as the result of exposure to atmospheric conditions

12.

to endure or resist exposure to the weather

a coat that weathers well

13. (usually fol. by through)

to go or come safely through a storm, danger, trouble, etc

It was a difficult time for her, but she weathered through beautifully

Derived forms

weatherer

noun

Word origin

[bef. 900; ME (n.), OE weder; c. D weder, G Wetter, ON vethr]

Word Frequency

weather in British English

(ˈwɛðə )

noun

the day-to-day meteorological conditions, esp temperature, cloudiness, and rainfall, affecting a specific place

Compare climate (sense 1)

b. (modifier)

relating to the forecasting of weather

a weather ship

a prevailing state or condition

3. See make heavy weather

4. See under the weather

adjective

5. (prenominal)

on or at the side or part towards the wind; windward

the weather anchor

Compare lee (sense 4)

verb

to expose or be exposed to the action of the weather

to undergo or cause to undergo changes, such as discoloration, due to the action of the weather

8. (intransitive)

to withstand the action of the weather

9. (when intr, foll by through)

to endure (a crisis, danger, etc)

10. (transitive)

to slope (a surface, such as a roof, sill, etc) so as to throw rainwater clear

11. (transitive)

to sail to the windward of

to weather a point

Derived forms

weatherer (ˈweatherer)

noun

Word origin

Old English weder; related to Old Saxon wedar, Old High German wetar, Old Norse vethr

Examples of 'weather' in a sentence
weather

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The shipment was postponed only because of bad weather.This week the best chance of dry and bright weather will continue to be over western areas.Cold weather and the resulting health problems are a real issue.The harder it is to present an elegant silhouette in clothes and to remain comfortable in warm weather.But some people may not be able to adapt to the extra strain hot weather puts on their bodies.Weather like this made me happy.Some of the guests sent messages to friends and family saying that they could not leave the hotel due to the weather. According to weather projections, good wind from the southeast will have them flying to the finish.THE shops may be full of the joys of spring but the weather is still grey, cold and wet.This would allow agencies to lower the limit in bad weather or heavy traffic.