ambiance

Or am·bi·ence

[am-bee-uhns, ahn-byahns]

noun

plural

ambiances 

1. the mood, character, quality, tone, atmosphere, etc., particularly of an environment or milieu.

   The restaurant had a delightful ambiance.

2. that which surrounds or encompasses; environment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambiance¹

First recorded in 1885–95; from French, equivalent to ambi(ant) “surrounding” ( Middle French, also ambient ), from Latin; ambient + -ance -ance

Synonym Study

See environment.

Example Sentences

Uncovering raw emotions, like loss, lust and jealousy, she’s able to capture their complexities through erratic rhythms, unorthodox mechanics and a trance-like ambiance.

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They can ask the assistant why a restaurant is so popular or what the ambiance is like inside before deciding whether to spend time there.

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“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.

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When they served their first steamer of dim sum in 1933, a refined ambiance drew the elite clientele of the era.

Read more on Salon

“The crowd here, the ambiance, the fans — all together they become something much bigger.”

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Related Words

• ambience 
• atmosphere 
• environs 
• milieu 
• surroundings