weather house
RareInformal, Technical (meteorology)
Definition
Meaning
A small decorative object containing two figures, often a man and a woman, that move in and out based on air humidity to indicate the weather.
A hygrometer, specifically a folk-style one, that uses changes in humidity to make a basic weather prediction (typically 'fair' or 'rain'). It can also refer metaphorically to something that is an unreliable or simplistic indicator of a complex situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound noun where 'house' refers to the miniature shelter housing the figures. It is a specific cultural artefact rather than a standard meteorological instrument. Often associated with nostalgia, folk art, or Alpine/Germanic regions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is recognized in both varieties, but the object itself is more culturally embedded in Europe (UK). In the US, it might be described as a 'weather predictor', 'Swiss weather house', or simply a novelty hygrometer.
Connotations
In the UK, it may evoke childhood memories or traditional crafts. In the US, it might be seen as a quirky imported novelty or a specific type of decorative hygrometer.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, slightly more likely to be encountered in UK contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [adjective] weather house [verb] on the shelf.According to the weather house, [clause].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a weather house (describing someone who is constantly changing their mind or position).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Unused.
Academic
Potentially used in historical or cultural studies of meteorological instruments or folk art.
Everyday
Used when describing a decorative object, often as a souvenir or gift. 'My grandmother has a cute weather house from Switzerland.'
Technical
Used in meteorology to describe a simple hygrometer based on human hair or a pine cone, often for educational purposes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a small weather house in the shop.
- The weather house shows a little man when it might rain.
- Although charming, a traditional weather house is not a reliable scientific instrument for forecasting.
- The political commentator's shifting allegiances made him the human equivalent of a weather house, constantly reacting to the prevailing climate of opinion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny HOUSE where the WEATHER decides who gets to come out to play: the lady for sunshine, the man for rain.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SIMPLE MECHANISM REPRESENTS A COMPLEX SYSTEM (the weather). IN/OUT MOTION INDICATES CHANGE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'погодный дом'. The closest term is 'гигрометр-домик' or descriptively 'сувенирный домик с фигурками, предсказывающий погоду'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with a barometer (which measures pressure). Spelling it as 'whether house'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to weather house' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary principle behind a traditional weather house's operation?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a simple hygrometer that responds to humidity. It gives a very basic indication (damp = possible rain) but is not a precise forecasting tool.
A twisted cord (often human hair or catgut) inside expands with high humidity, pushing one figure out (typically the 'rainy weather' figure). It contracts with dry air, pulling that figure in and allowing the other ('fair weather' figure) to appear.
No, 'weather house' is exclusively a noun. The verb is 'to weather' (meaning to endure or be exposed to weather).
A barometer measures atmospheric pressure to predict weather changes. A weather house measures relative humidity. They are different types of instruments, though both can be used for rudimentary weather prediction.