weatherperson: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “weatherperson” mean?
A person, often on television or radio, whose job is to report and forecast the weather.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, often on television or radio, whose job is to report and forecast the weather.
A professional meteorologist or presenter specializing in atmospheric conditions, typically delivering information to the public through media outlets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties, but 'weather presenter' is more common in UK media. 'Weatherman'/'weatherwoman' are still very frequent in everyday speech in both regions.
Connotations
More consciously neutral and modern in both varieties. In the US, it can sometimes sound like jargon from a style guide, while in the UK, it competes with the more established 'weather presenter.'
Frequency
Lower frequency than the gendered terms in casual speech, but increasing in written and formal media contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “weatherperson” in a Sentence
the weatherperson for [Channel/Station X]a weatherperson on [programme/show]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weatherperson” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - not used as a standard adjective.
American English
- N/A - not used as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in HR or media company documents discussing roles.
Academic
Rare. 'Meteorologist' is the standard term in scientific contexts.
Everyday
Common in general media discussions and everyday conversation when referring to the TV role.
Technical
Not used. The technical term is 'meteorologist' or 'broadcast meteorologist.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weatherperson”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weatherperson”
- Using 'weatherperson' to refer to a scientific researcher (use 'meteorologist').
- Spelling as two words: 'weather person'.
- Overusing in contexts where 'presenter' or 'forecaster' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A meteorologist is a scientist who studies the atmosphere. A weatherperson is often a presenter who communicates the forecast, who may or may not have a meteorology degree.
It is increasingly common in writing and formal media contexts as a gender-neutral term, but in casual conversation, people often still say 'weatherman' or 'weatherwoman'.
The standard plural is 'weatherpeople,' though 'weatherpersons' is also occasionally seen, especially in formal documents.
It depends. If you are referring to the professional role in a media or HR context, it is acceptable. If you are discussing the science, 'meteorologist' or 'forecaster' is more precise.
A person, often on television or radio, whose job is to report and forecast the weather.
Weatherperson: in British English it is pronounced /ˈweðəpɜːs(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈweðərpɜːrs(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Fair-weather friend (related concept, but not directly) - No common idioms specifically with 'weatherperson'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A WEATHER PERSON is simply a PERSON who tells you about the WEATHER. It's a very transparent compound word.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEATHERPRESENTER IS A GUIDE (through the uncertain 'landscape' of future weather).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'weatherperson'?