barometer

American  

[buh-rom-i-ter] / bəˈrɒm ɪ tər /

noun

1. Meteorology. any instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

2. anything that indicates changes.

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barometer British  

/ ˌbærəˈmɛtrɪk, bəˈrɒmɪtə /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, usually to determine altitude or weather changes

2. anything that shows change or impending change

   the barometer of social change

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barometer Scientific  

/ bə-rŏm′ĭ-tər /

1. An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure. Barometers are used in determining height above sea level and in forecasting the weather. The two primary types of barometers are the aneroid and the mercury barometer.

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barometer Cultural  

1. An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

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Discover More

In general, when the barometer falls in response to a drop in pressure, bad weather is approaching; when the barometer rises because of an increase in pressure, good weather will follow.

Other Word Forms

• barometric adjective
• barometrical adjective
• barometrically adverb
• barometry noun

Etymology

Origin of barometer

First recorded in 1655–65; baro- + -meter

Example Sentences

The Journal reporters note one striking barometer of the current desire to do deals:

From The Wall Street Journal

The news out of the conference will be a key barometer for the sector and an indication of its health and prospects.

From Barron's

While a critical economic barometer, Tuesday’s GDP data isn’t expected to have much impact on the Federal Reserve’s rate policy.

From Barron's

While a critical economic barometer, Tuesday’s GDP data isn’t expected to have much impact on the Federal Reserve’s rate policy.

From Barron's

For decades, Wall Street has treated this stretch as a barometer of market confidence.

From MarketWatch