tropical
Americanadjective
-
pertaining to, characteristic of, occurring in, or inhabiting the tropics, especially the humid tropics.
tropical flowers.
-
very hot and humid.
a tropical climate.
-
designed for use in the tropics or in very hot weather (often used in combination).
tropical-weight woolens.
-
of or relating to either or both of the astronomical tropics.
-
pertaining to, characterized by, or of the nature of a trope or tropes; metaphorical.
noun
adjective
-
situated in, used in, characteristic of, or relating to the tropics
-
(of weather) very hot, esp when humid
-
rhetoric of or relating to a trope
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tropical
Explanation
Our planet’s tropical regions, located just north and south of the equator, are known for being warm and humid. Some people think tropical areas make ideal vacation spots; others think they’re just good places for getting mosquito bites. This word calls for a crash course in geography. If you stand at Earth’s equator at certain times of the year, you’ll see the Sun directly overhead. However, the Sun “wanders” a bit, and sometimes you have to move north or south to see the Sun right above you; latitude lines called tropics show just how far north and south you have to go. The region between each tropic and the equator is considered tropical. For more details, see your travel agent.
Vocabulary lists containing tropical
The Sweltering Words of Summer
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Weather and Climate - Introductory
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The United States
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
PALAWAN, Philippines—U.S. and Philippine Marines shared foxholes covered in palm leaves, machine guns pointing toward the sea off this tropical Pacific island.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026
Scientists have discovered a tropical insect that can shift its color from bright hot pink to green in about two weeks.
From Science Daily • May 2, 2026
In 2024, tropical forests disappeared faster than ever before, driven by fires amplified by human-caused climate change and the El Niño weather pattern.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026
Shouting "freedom" in the pouring tropical rain, hundreds of inmates jumped in unison in the courtyard of the prison as they greeted the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026
“If you two are going to do something stupid in the middle of a tropical storm, then I guess I’m doing it with you. We’re the Dog Squad. We do our stupid stuff together!”
From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein
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.
