aura

¹ American  

[awr-uh] / ˈɔr ə /

noun

plural

auras, aurae

1. a distinctive and pervasive quality or character; air; atmosphere.

   an aura of respectability;

   an aura of friendliness.

2. a subtly pervasive quality or atmosphere seen as emanating from a person, place, or thing.

3. Pathology. a sensation, as of lights or a current of warm or cold air, preceding an attack of migraine or epilepsy.

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Aura ² American  

[awr-uh] / ˈɔr ə /

noun

Classical Mythology.

1. a companion of Artemis who bore twins to Dionysus. Zeus changed her into a spring because, in a fit of madness, she had killed one of her children.

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aura British  

/ ˈɔːrə /

noun

1. a distinctive air or quality considered to be characteristic of a person or thing

2. any invisible emanation, such as a scent or odour

3. pathol strange sensations, such as noises in the ears or flashes of light, that immediately precede an attack, esp of epilepsy

4. (in parapsychology) an invisible emanation produced by and surrounding a person or object: alleged to be discernible by individuals of supernormal sensibility

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Etymology

Origin of aura

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin, from Greek: “breath (of air)”

Explanation

You know that intangible glow, that certain magical something that your mom gives off? Get your glasses fixed and you'll see the aura emanating from her head isn't her special powers — just your bad eyes. You may have heard the noun aura used to describe the atmosphere surrounding something magical, like a fairy, or around a living being, like the calm vibes emanating from a meditating yogi. But did you know that it can refer to the sensation — one of coolness or bright light — that’s experienced before the onset of a seizure or migraine? Aura can also apply to the force that some people believe radiates from living organisms as an indicator of their unique essence.

Example Sentences

"He had aura, the Pope had aura," says Harry Clark on meeting the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Leo XIV.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

He had an aura, charisma about him and how he played the game.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Despite their aura of permanence, Oscar statuettes have occasionally vanished over the years.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Dubai’s entire economy has historically rested on an aura of safety—the promise that investors, businesses and tourists can operate freely because the Gulf remains a stable sanctuary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Horace felt strange talking like this to such a young man, but Will Hamilton had an aura of success about him.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• ambience
• aspect
• atmosphere
• feeling
• mood
• quality
• scent
• semblance
• tone