warmest

The word warmest is the superlative form of the adjective warm. It denotes the greatest degree of warmth within a defined set and can describe physical temperature, texture, ambience, or metaphorical warmth such as friendliness or hospitality. For example, it can refer to the warmest room, the warmest day, or the warmest welcome.

In English, one-syllable adjectives form the superlative with -est, so warm becomes warmest; the comparative is warmer. The term is used with definite or indefinite noun phrases, e.g., the warmest month of the year or a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Usage notes: the word should not be confused with hottest, which emphasizes higher heat, or coziest, which often relates to overall comfort. Warmest emphasizes the degree of warmth rather than extreme heat.

Etymology: warmest derives from the adjective warm, itself from Old English wærm or wearm in the Germanic family, with cognates in related languages.

See also: warm, warmth, warmer, warmth index, climate records.