noun

humidity

/hjuːˈmɪdəti/ · say it: hyoo·MID·uh·tee

the amount of water vapor in the air

In Science & Nature

In more detail

the amount of water vapor or moisture in the air

Examples

The humidity in the tropical rainforest is very high, making it feel sticky and uncomfortable.

How to use humidity

Humidity refers specifically to water vapor in the air and is commonly used in weather forecasts, climate discussions, and scientific contexts. It can be measured as either absolute humidity (grams of water per volume of air) or relative humidity (percentage of moisture compared to what air can hold at that temperature). The term is neutral and technical.

Common phrases

high humidity
low humidity
relative humidity
humidity levels
cope with humidity
humidity and temperature

Synonyms

moisture · dampness · wetness · atmospheric moisture

Opposites

dryness · aridity

Word family

humid (adjective) · humidify (verb) · humidifier (noun) · humidly (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse humidity with merely being damp or wet; humidity is the invisible water vapor in air, not visible moisture on surfaces.

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