meteorological
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of meteorological
1560–70; < Greek meteōrologik ( ós ) pertaining to celestial phenomena ( see meteorology, -ic) + -al 1
Explanation
Something that's meteorological is related to the weather or changes in the Earth's atmosphere. If you're interested in a meteorological career, it means you'd like to be a meteorologist — a weather expert. Meteorological events include things like fog, rain, tornadoes, and hurricanes. They are all caused by meteorological changes and shifts: in the temperature, air pressure, and amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. The word meteorological comes from the Greek root meteorologia, "discussion of high things," from meteor-, "thing high up," and logia, "the study of."
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.
The World Meteorological Organization warned on Friday that El Nino, which typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts nine to 12 months, has already begun in the tropical Pacific.
From Barron's • Jul. 4, 2026
The Ghana Meteorological Agency also warned that more rain was expected to affect parts of southern Ghana - where Accra is located - on Tuesday morning into the afternoon, raising the risk of further flooding.
From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026
The World Meteorological Organization said the heat levels currently being experienced across the continent would be more typical of late July and August.
From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026
El Niño is one of the most powerful climate patterns on Earth, capable of reshaping global weather and affecting rainfall and drought, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
He points to the news announcer actor, who breaks in with a second bulletin: The Government Meteorological Bureau has asked observatories to watch for more explosions on Mars.
From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow
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.
