nature
Pluralnatures (some meanings)
Pluralnatures (some meanings)
Formsnatures, naturing, natured
- 1Everything in the physical world that people did not make, like plants, animals, weather, and land.
Like everything outdoors that grew or formed on its own.
We spent the weekend hiking through nature, far from any city.
Nature has its own rhythms that no one can fully control.
UsageSay I love nature (not
incorrect: the nature).Similarenvironment, wilderness
Note
- 2The basic way a person or thing really is, deep down, that does not change easily.
Like the flavor inside a fruit that stays the same however you cut it.
It is in her nature to help anyone who seems lost.
A dog's playful nature shows even when it is tired.
UsageSay by nature or it's in his nature to help.
Similarcharacter, personality, temperament, disposition, makeup
Note
- 3
Less common meanings
- 4A polite word for the body's need to pee or use the toilet.
He stepped outside to answer the call of nature.
She paused the hike when nature called.
UsageSay nature calls when you need the toilet.
Note
- 5An old word for fluids the body makes, such as semen or menstrual blood.
Note
- 6An old word for a body part, especially the female private parts.
Note
- 7To give something its natural qualities or character.
Note
- 8The living strength that keeps a person or animal going and needs food and rest.
My iron’s just comin’ to natur’.
1895, T. Pinnock, Tom Brown's Black Country Annual... - 9A warm, natural love between people, especially between a parent and child.
She had no nature, nor indeed any passion but that of money.
1749, John Cleland, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure - 10The strong physical urge of sexual desire.
Every time I felt nature for her, she would rub something on her hands and face to take away my nature.
1974, Daily Telegraph - 11A type or size of gun, or of the shells and bullets it fires.
B.L. cartridges have lubricators choked inside the cartridges of 40-pr. and lower natures.
1879, War Office, Manual of Siege and Garrison Artillery ExercisesHere, natures means the bore sizes or classes of guns.
Showing meanings only.
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Origin
From Latin natura, meaning "birth" or "natural quality," which comes from a verb meaning "to be born." It came into English through Old French.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts
- Nature derives from Latin natura, meaning birth or natural quality. en.wiktionary.org
- The Latin source derives from a verb meaning to be born. en.wiktionary.org
- Nature entered English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org