Definition of ETHEREAL (original) (raw)
1
a
: of or relating to the regions beyond the earth
2
b
: marked by unusual delicacy or refinement
this smallest, most ethereal, and daintiest of birds—
William Beebe
c
: suggesting the heavens or heaven
3
: relating to, containing, or resembling a chemical ether
etherealize
transitive verb
Did you know?
If you're burning to know the history of ethereal, you're in the right spirit to fully understand the word's etymology. The ancient Greeks believed that the Earth was composed of earth, air, fire, and water, but that the heavens and its denizens were made of a purer, less tangible substance known (in English transliteration) as either quintessence or ether. Ether was often described as an invisible light or fire; its name comes from the Greek verb aithein, meaning "to ignite" or "to blaze." When ethereal, the adjectival kin of ether, debuted in English in the 1500s, it described regions beyond the Earth or anything that seemed to originate from them.
Synonyms
Examples of ethereal in a Sentence
The windows give the church an ethereal glow. that ethereal attribute that every performer should have—charisma
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Patiño co-wrote the script and collaborated with cinematographer Ion de Sosa to bring the ethereal visuals to life. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025 From media and literature to art and culture, luscious locks have long been celebrated as a symbol of ethereal womanhood. —Eva Crouse, Flow Space, 31 Jan. 2025 The pastel and feminine look reflected the ethereal and pale-toned runway moments. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025 The Bridgerton star wore a black zip-up jacket with shoulder cutouts as well as a matching skirt and slouchy handbag. 07 of 19 Jennie Kim Jennie Kim looked ethereal at the Chanel Paris Fashion Week show. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ethereal 
Word History
First Known Use
1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of ethereal was in 1522
Dictionary Entries Near ethereal
Cite this Entry
“Ethereal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethereal. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 3 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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