ambiance
Americannoun
-
the mood, character, quality, tone, atmosphere, etc., particularly of an environment or milieu.
The restaurant had a delightful ambiance.
-
that which surrounds or encompasses; environment.
Synonym Usage
See environment.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of ambiance
First recorded in 1885–95; from French, equivalent to ambi(ant) “surrounding” ( Middle French, also ambient ), from Latin; see ambient + -ance -ance
Explanation
An ambiance is the mood or setting of a place. You might like the ambiance of a certain restaurant because the lighting and decor makes you feel comfortable and happy. Ambiance is pronounced "AHM-bee-ahns." Most places have an ambiance made up of whatever sights, smells, sounds, and even sensations or textures fill the space. A fancy French restaurant gets its ambiance from the candlelight and chic black outfits worn by the wait staff while the diner off the highway might have a funky, retro ambiance because of its 1950s counter and jukebox full of golden oldies.
Vocabulary lists containing ambiance
Around and Around: Ambi
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amb, ambi
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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.
“Expansive terraces, meditation gardens, and hidden courtyards evoke a world-class resort ambiance, while infinity pools and a private boathouse complete its coastal allure,” the description noted.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026
“With two gated driveways, serene lawns, and a high-end tropical ambiance, this estate seamlessly blends privacy, prestige, and paradise. A one-of-a-kind legacy property – experience the ultimate Florida Keys lifestyle,” the listing adds.
From MarketWatch • Oct. 17, 2025
"It's just for the ambiance," says Shonnys Akoulatele a potential voter who believes there is more to governance than displaying campaign posters.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025
Knight and Hofvendahl, whose home was such a key part of the ambiance so treasured by neighbors, are undecided.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2025
To blend in with the environment, becoming a part of the ambiance.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
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.
