calm
Americanadjective
-
without rough motion; still or nearly still.
a calm sea.
- Synonyms:
- motionless, quiet
-
not windy or stormy.
a calm day.
- Antonyms:
- tempestuous
-
free from excitement or passion; tranquil.
a calm face;
a calm manner.
- Synonyms:
- self-possessed, serene, unruffled, placid
- Antonyms:
- agitated
noun
-
freedom from motion or disturbance; stillness.
-
Meteorology. wind speed of less than 1 mile per hour (0.447 meter per second).
-
freedom from agitation, excitement, or passion; tranquility; serenity.
We look forward to the calm of the island after the summer residents have all returned to the mainland.
She faced the possibility of death with complete calm.
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
idioms
adjective
-
almost without motion; still
a calm sea
-
meteorol of force 0 on the Beaufort scale; without wind
-
not disturbed, agitated, or excited; under control
he stayed calm throughout the confusion
-
tranquil; serene
a calm voice
noun
-
an absence of disturbance or rough motion; stillness
-
absence of wind
-
tranquillity
verb
Usage
What does calm mean? Calm describes something that is still or barely moving, like a pond or a lake. Calm can also describe something that is relaxed or free from excitement, as in Yolanda felt calmer after meditating for a few minutes. Calm can also be used to describe the weather. A calm day isn’t windy or stormy. In meteorology, calm is a wind speed that is less than 1 mile per hour. As a noun, calm typically describes a lack of motion or a stillness in an area where there once was motion or there will be motion. Calm can also describe a notable lack of excitement or agitation that was expected to be caused, as in Roberta believed the only way to approach a big task was with calm and patience. Finally, as a verb, to calm something or someone means to bring it to a pause. You might calm your barking dog by petting it and talking to it in a soothing voice. You might calm an angry friend by talking with them quietly and listening to what’s bothering them. Example: When you feel nervous in front of a crowd, try to look calm and you’ll soon feel calm.
Related Words
Calm, collected, composed, cool imply the absence of agitation. Calm implies an unruffled state, especially under disturbing conditions: calm in a crisis. Collected implies complete inner command of oneself, usually as the result of an effort: He remained collected in spite of the excitement. One who is composed has or has gained dignified self-possession: pale but composed. Cool implies clarity of judgment along with apparent absence of strong feeling or excitement, especially in circumstances of danger or strain: so cool that he seemed calm.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of calm
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English noun and adjective calm(e), from Italian calma (noun), calmo (adjective), from Late Latin cauma “summer heat” (with l perhaps from Latin calēre “to be hot”), from Greek kaûma (stem kaumat- ) “burning heat”; akin to kaíein “to burn” ( see caustic); verb derivative of the noun
Explanation
Just saying the word calm reminds you of how it feels to be calm — steady, at rest, not agitated, chilled out, caaaaalllmmmm. Waters without waves? People without drama? Sounds calm. Some synonyms of the adjective calm are peaceful and even-tempered. As a verb, it describes making someone steady and still — in other words, calm. Taking a walk or calling a friend might help you calm down when you are upset. As a noun, calm is a state of peace or stillness — the calm of your neighborhood at daybreak or the calm you seek when you exercise.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Calm and composed throughout the week, he appeared to relish the occasion, draped in an Ipswich Town Football Club flag as he soaked up the atmosphere.
From BBC • May 8, 2026
Calm down, ChatGPT — if you blow a gasket, OpenAI is in real trouble.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026
Others Matt spoke to were more supportive of the PM, with Rugby MP John Slinger saying: "Calm heads need to prevail. The PM has done the right thing here."
From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026
She has ordered Som Sleep in bulk, used Natural Vitality’s Calm drink mix and has tried MoonBrew.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025
I turned to Jimmy and said quietly but sternly, “Please don’t do this. Calm down. I’ll sort out this matter and see to it that you get your letter. Now, please leave.”
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
