Nimbus — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈnim-bəs/ nim·bus

Meaning & Definition of Nimbus

Nimbus (noun)

  1. a luminous vapor, cloud, or atmosphere about a god or goddess when on earth
  2. a cloud or atmosphere (as of romance) about a person or thing
  3. an indication (such as a circle) of radiant light or glory about the head of a drawn or sculptured divinity, saint, or sovereign

Nimbus (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a special quality or impression associated with something

    "fans are inevitably disappointed when the nimbus of glamour about their favorite celebrity turns out to be an illusion"

    similar: air, ambience, aroma, atmosphere, aura, climate, flavor, halo, karma, mood, note, odor, patina, smell, temper, vibration(s)
    related: aureole, mystique, romance, genius loci, feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit, attribute, character, characteristic, image, mark, notion, peculiarity, picture, property, trait, color, illusion, overtone, semblance, suggestion, tone

  2. an artistic rendering of radiant light around the head or body of a sacred personage

    "the nimbi for the sculpted figures around the exterior of the church are simple disks about the saints' heads"

    similar: aureole, glory, halo
    related: starburst, sunburst, aura, corona

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Nimbus

The most common words with a similar meaning to Nimbus:

air, ambience, aroma, atmosphere, aura, climate, flavor, halo, karma, mood, note, odor, patina, smell, temper, vibration(s), aureole, glory

Related Words for Nimbus

mystique, romance, genius loci, feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit, attribute, character, characteristic, image, mark, notion, peculiarity, picture, property, trait, color, illusion, overtone, semblance, suggestion, tone, starburst, sunburst, corona

Word Forms of Nimbus

Inflections: nimbi, nimbuses

Origin & Etymology of Nimbus

Latin, rainstorm, cloud; probably akin to Latin nebula cloud nebula

First known use: 1606

Frequently Asked Questions about Nimbus

What does "Nimbus" mean?

"Nimbus" means a luminous vapor, cloud, or atmosphere about a god or goddess when on earth. As a noun, it is defined as: a luminous vapor, cloud, or atmosphere about a god or goddess when on earth. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Nimbus"?

Other words for "Nimbus" include air, ambience, aroma, atmosphere, aura, climate, flavor and halo. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Nimbus" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Nimbus"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Nimbus". Common alternatives include air, ambience, aroma, atmosphere, aura, climate, flavor, halo, karma and mood.

How do you use "Nimbus" in a sentence?

Examples of "Nimbus" in a sentence: "fans are inevitably disappointed when the nimbus of glamour about their favorite celebrity turns out to be an illusion"; "the nimbi for the sculpted figures around the exterior of the church are simple disks about the saints' heads".

Is "Nimbus" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Nimbus" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Nimbus"?

"Nimbus" is pronounced /ˈnim-bəs/ and divided into syllables as nim·bus.

What is the origin of the word "Nimbus"?

"Nimbus" comes from Latin, rainstorm, cloud; probably akin to Latin nebula cloud nebula. First known use: 1606.

What is another word for "Nimbus" meaning "a special quality or impression associated with something"?

When "Nimbus" (noun) means a special quality or impression associated with something, synonyms include air, ambience, aroma, atmosphere, aura and climate.