cold wave

noun

1
: an unusually large and rapid drop in temperature over a short period of time (such as 24 hours)
2
: a permanent wave set by a chemical preparation without the use of heat

Examples of cold wave in a Sentence

the unseasonable cold wave in the Northeast has already put a strain on oil supplies
Recent Examples on the Web Ten Michigan cities also placed among the top cities with the highest cold wave risk — on top of already colder winters in Michigan. Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2024 Jackson residents have long faced water supply issues, including a boil-water notice in late July 2022, lead concerns, and a cold wave that left residents without water. Charlie Drape, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024 The next day, Baltimoreans were charmed by the news that temperatures would probably reach 46 and that rain was forecast, a much-deserved respite from a recent cold wave. Frederick N. Rasmussen, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2024 An aquarium in Texas has been rehabilitating hundreds of turtles while a historic cold wave sweeps across Texas. Andrea Vacchiano, Fox News, 21 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cold wave 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cold wave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cold wave was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near cold wave

Cite this Entry

“Cold wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20wave. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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