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
This colder-than-average spell is notable given Washington's relatively temperate winters in recent years.
—
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
These are characterized by temperate deciduous forest species such as tulip trees, oaks, and hickories.
—Erica Zazo, Outside Online, 9 Jan. 2025
But can poinsettias be planted outside in areas with a more temperate climate?
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2024
Google’s first data center, built in 2006, sits on the temperate banks of Oregon’s Columbia River.
—Jason Kehe, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2018
See all Example Sentences for temperate 
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.
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
These are characterized by temperate deciduous forest species such as tulip trees, oaks, and hickories.
—Erica Zazo, Outside Online, 9 Jan. 2025
But can poinsettias be planted outside in areas with a more temperate climate?
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2024
Google’s first data center, built in 2006, sits on the temperate banks of Oregon’s Columbia River.
—Jason Kehe, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2018
See all Example Sentences for temperate
Dictionary Entries Near temperate
Cite this Entry
“Temperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperate. Accessed 26 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share