room temperature

American  

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

noun

room temperatures plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• room temperatures
  plural

Etymology

Origin of room temperature

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

Now a new technique, pioneered at Addenbrooke's Hospital, enables the sample to be preserved in a stabilising solution and transported at room temperature instead.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

That engrossing yourself in every meticulous step — from measuring out your own leavening agents to bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature — is what qualifies as real baking.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

But when it comes to her core product, selling candy has a number of benefits, such as it having a long shelf life, and being able to sit at room temperature.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Because the new device operates at room temperature, it avoids one of the major obstacles that has limited the widespread use of quantum technologies.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2026

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

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina