temperate
adjective
tem·per·ate
ˈtem-p(ə-)rət 
1
a
: having a moderate climate which especially lacks extremes in temperature
b
: found in or associated with a moderate climate
temperate insects
2
: marked by moderation: such as
a
: keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive : mild
b
: moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire
c
: moderate in the use of alcoholic beverages
d
: marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship
3
: existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis
temperate bacteriophages
temperately
adverb
temperateness
noun
Examples of temperate in a Sentence
They had a temperate discussion.
He is a temperate man.
Recent Examples on the Web
The list includes places like Malta, a five-island nation with terrific beaches, a temperate climate and low crime, and Belize, the only Central American country with English as its official language.
—
Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Rain put somewhat of a damper on things during the day Friday with stages closing early and the start time for the stadium shows pushed back to 9 p.m.
But fans were still eager to enjoy the temperate 75-degree night with some of country music's biggest stars.
—Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
In California, the trees thrive off the Bay Area’s mild and temperate climate, and in coastal areas down to San Diego.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
Broadly speaking, northern Spain (think Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country) has a wetter, more temperate climate, with plenty of rain and cooler temperatures year-round.
—Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperate
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Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Rain put somewhat of a damper on things during the day Friday with stages closing early and the start time for the stadium shows pushed back to 9 p.m.
But fans were still eager to enjoy the temperate 75-degree night with some of country music's biggest stars.
—Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
In California, the trees thrive off the Bay Area’s mild and temperate climate, and in coastal areas down to San Diego.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
Broadly speaking, northern Spain (think Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country) has a wetter, more temperate climate, with plenty of rain and cooler temperatures year-round.
—Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperate
Cite this Entry
“Temperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperate. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
temperate
adjective
tem·per·ate
ˈtem-p(ə-)rət
1
: being or kept within limits
2
: not going too far in satisfying one's needs or desires
3
: not drinking much liquor
4
: marked by self-control : restrained
temperate speech
5
: having or associated with a climate that is usually mild without extremely cold or extremely hot temperatures
temperately
adverb
temperateness
noun
Medical Definition
temperate
adjective
tem·per·ate
ˈtem-p(ə-)rət
1
: marked by moderation
especially
: moderate in the use of intoxicating liquors
2
: existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis
temperate bacteriophages
temperately
adverb
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