nature

American  

[ney-cher] / ˈneɪ tʃər /

noun

1. the material world, especially as surrounding humankind and existing independently of human activities.

2. the natural world as it exists without human beings or civilization.

   In nature, wild dogs hunt in packs.

3. the elements of the natural world, as mountains, trees, animals, or rivers.

   The abandoned power plant was reclaimed by nature, covered in overgrowth and home to feral animals.

4. natural scenery.

   Tourists at the resort are surrounded by nature.

5. the universe, with all its phenomena.

   Conservation of energy is a universal law of nature.

6. the sum total of the forces at work throughout the universe.

7. reality, as distinguished from any effect of art.

   a portrait true to nature.

8. the particular combination of qualities belonging to a person, animal, thing, or class by birth, origin, or constitution; native or inherent character.

   human nature.

9. the instincts or inherent tendencies directing conduct.

   a man of good nature.

10. character, kind, or sort.

    two books of the same nature.

11. characteristic disposition; temperament: an evil nature.

    a self-willed nature;

    an evil nature.

12. the original, natural, uncivilized condition of humankind.

13. the biological functions or the urges to satisfy their requirements.

14. a primitive, wild condition; an uncultivated state.

15. a simple, uncluttered mode of life without the conveniences or distractions of civilization.

    a return to nature.

16. (initial capital letter, italics) a prose work (1836), by Ralph Waldo Emerson, expounding transcendentalism.

17. Theology. the moral state as unaffected by grace.

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idioms

1. of / in the nature of, having the character or qualities of.

   in the nature of an apology.

2. in a state of nature,

   1. in an uncivilized or uncultured condition.

   2. without clothes; nude; naked.

3. by nature, as a result of inborn or inherent qualities; innately.

   She is by nature a kindhearted person.

nature British  

/ ˈneɪtʃə /

noun

1. the fundamental qualities of a person or thing; identity or essential character

2. (often capital, esp when personified) the whole system of the existence, arrangement, forces, and events of all physical life that are not controlled by man

3. all natural phenomena and plant and animal life, as distinct from man and his creations

4. a wild primitive state untouched by man or civilization

5. natural unspoilt scenery or countryside

6. disposition or temperament

7. tendencies, desires, or instincts governing behaviour

8. the normal biological needs or urges of the body

9. sort; kind; character

10. the real appearance of a person or thing

    a painting very true to nature

11. accepted standards of basic morality or behaviour

12. biology the complement of genetic material that partly determines the structure of an organism; genotype Compare nurture

13. sympathy and fondness for one's own people or native place

    she is full of nature

14. unnatural or immoral

15. essentially or innately

16. informal the need to urinate or defecate

17. using natural models in drawing, painting, etc

18. essentially the same as; by way of

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nature Scientific  

/ nā′chər /

1. The world and its naturally occurring phenomena, together with all of the physical laws that govern them.

2. Living organisms and their environments.

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nature More Idioms  

1. see call of nature; good nature; second nature.

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Other Word Forms

• antinature
  adjective
• naturelike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of nature

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English natur(e), from Old French, from Latin nātūra “conditions of birth, quality, character, natural order, world,” equivalent to nāt(us) (past participle of nāscī “to be born”) + -ūra noun suffix; see -ure

Explanation

Your nature is sort of the way you are — the sum total of how you think, feel, and behave. It might be in your nature to remain calm and level-headed when faced with a difficult challenge. Things that aren't people can also have their own nature. You might notice the frantic nature of a political debate, or you might question the nature of your brother's friendships. Nature can also refer to the physical world made up of plants and animals: what you think of as "the great outdoors." You might be a nature lover who enjoys hiking. Nature can also describe natural forces, such as the destructive elements of nature, like a tsunami or a tornado.

Example Sentences

Notaries public, meanwhile, have both ethical and legal duties to refuse notarization if they believe a signer does not understand the nature or consequences of the document they are executing.

From MarketWatch • May 25, 2026

But no matter how closely the horses in movies resemble the horses we see in nature, nobody argued that movies create living horses.

From Slate • May 25, 2026

As for the nature of engagement and the tone, Delhi will most likely assess what Rubio has to say on Quad before making any firm statements.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

May 20: Our mission is to build the systems and technologies necessary to make life multiplanetary, to understand the true nature of the universe, and to extend the light of consciousness to the stars.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

“To spend time in nature, and not laze about indoors when the weather is fair,” she said.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• description
• essence
• humor
• mood
• personality
• quality
• type