Nothing! Don't try to analyse everyday phrases like this word for word - this approach doesn't work. You can't break this question down into separate words - you have to accept the whole expression as it is and understand the global meaning: "What + verb be + X + like" ? = Describe X / Tell me about X So "What is the weather like?" means "Tell me about the weather. Is it hot/cold/sunny/rainy?" Accept it, learn it and practise it - that's the only way. Trying find a meaning for each word in isolation or - worse still - trying to translate every word is a waste of time.

like = how, or describe they are asking you to describe the weather in dictionary it says "having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to" what is the weather like? it is sunny and warm!