vapour
Americannoun
noun
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particles of moisture or other substance suspended in air and visible as clouds, smoke, etc
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a gaseous substance at a temperature below its critical temperature Compare gas
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a substance that is in a gaseous state at a temperature below its boiling point
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rare something fanciful that lacks substance or permanence
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archaic a depressed mental condition believed originally to be the result of vaporous exhalations from the stomach
verb
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to evaporate or cause to evaporate; vaporize
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(intr) to make vain empty boasts; brag
Spelling
See -or 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of vapour
C14: from Latin vapor
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.
Contrails - also known as vapour trails - are made when the hot exhaust from aircraft engines meets the cold air at high altitude, creating ice crystals.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026
The huge amount of heat generated by wildfires makes the air above the fire rise rapidly, carrying smoke, ash and water vapour high into the atmosphere.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
It starts off as a cute little white cloud -- a cumulus cloud, which is formed because water vapour has turned into tiny droplets.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
As the Sun heats the ground, the water vapour suddenly condenses.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
“I do so want you to be good! Please, please be good and ...” Two minutes later the Voice and the soma vapour had produced their effect.
From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
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