a distinctive and pervasive quality or character; air; atmosphere.
an aura of respectability;
an aura of friendliness.
a subtly pervasive quality or atmosphere seen as emanating from a person, place, or thing.
Pathology. a sensation, as of lights or a current of warm or cold air, preceding an attack of migraine or epilepsy.
a distinctive air or quality considered to be characteristic of a person or thing
any invisible emanation, such as a scent or odour
pathol strange sensations, such as noises in the ears or flashes of light, that immediately precede an attack, esp of epilepsy
(in parapsychology) an invisible emanation produced by and surrounding a person or object: alleged to be discernible by individuals of supernormal sensibility
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin, from Greek: “breath (of air)”
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.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“He has an aura about him and I’m super proud of him.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
As first lady, she was more invested in her husband’s presidency—in his image, speech, dress, aura and even the steadiness of his gait—than any presidential wife in recent history.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
The war has inflicted a severe blow and restoring their aura of stability will take years.
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026
Or at least they’re trying to, courtesy of the influencers who emulate a similar aura across their social media platforms.
From Salon • May 17, 2026
It seemed to have an aura, a warmth, but also an inherent danger.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
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.
