clime

American  

[klahym] / klaɪm /

noun

1. climate.

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clime British  

/ klaɪm /

noun

1. poetic a region or its climate

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Etymology

Origin of clime

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin clīma; see climate

Explanation

Not to be confused with "climb", a clime is a region known for its weather. In the dead of winter, we dream about heading to sunny climes, where we can hang out in shorts. The key to remembering clime is that it's so similar to "climate," with which it shares the Greek root klima, "zone." So a clime is a zone that has a characteristic climate. Folks in colder climes think nothing of the kind of snowfall that we down here in the south get all panicked about. But then again, when they come here to our warmer clime, they forget to put on sunscreen; people from one clime can learn a lot from a visit to a different clime.

Example Sentences

If you live in Portland or New York City, you might be thinking long and hard about moving to a lower tax clime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

That means if your tree hails from a more humid clime, it's likely been spoiled for generations.

From Science Daily • Dec. 13, 2023

But Bergman’s book evokes the social and political trends of a time when citizens surmounted Seattle’s legendary hills aboard railcars, akin to San Francisco’s famed fleet but enclosed because of our chillier clime.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2021

In modern day Newport Beach, a cousin to the deep-sea creature washed ashore last week, far from its normal clime.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2021

Her native clime was a land of milk and honey and had its share of apes and ivory and peacocks.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• humidity
• temperature