room temperature

American  

[room tem-per-uh-cher, -choor, -pruh-, -per-cher, room] / ˈrum ˈtɛm pər ə tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər, -prə-, -pər tʃər, ˈrʊm /

noun

1. a temperature at which food, drink, medicine, etc., is neither cooled nor heated.

   Unopened, our sauces can be stored at room temperature for months, but opened jars must be refrigerated.

   The cheeses are best served at room temperature.

2. any indoor temperature that falls within a range considered comfortable for human occupancy.

   We tested the strength of the bond at room temperature and at 140°F.

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room temperature British  

noun

1. the normal temperature of a living room, usually taken as being around 20°C

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Etymology

Origin of room temperature

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

"Other researchers have shown that reaching superconductivity at room temperature under pressure is achievable," Chu said.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

His team developed a hybrid fruit, named Arka Sahan, which can survive for a week at room temperature and has fewer seeds and more pulp.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

"The research and proof-of-concept validates the exciting potential of quantum batteries to achieve rapid, scalable charging and energy storage at room temperature, laying the groundwork for next-gen energy solutions," Dr. Quach said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

If you’re bringing something that needs to stay cold — a mayonnaise-based salad, a dairy-heavy dip, anything that shouldn’t spend hours at room temperature — think about how it will travel.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

The jar of mayonnaise and the sliced ham are room temperature, too.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina