lukewarm

adjective

luke·​warm ˈlük-ˈwȯrm How to pronounce lukewarm (audio)
1
: moderately warm : tepid
a lukewarm bath
lukewarm coffee
2
: lacking conviction : half-hearted
gave them only lukewarm support
a lukewarm review
lukewarm applause
lukewarmly adverb
lukewarmness noun

Examples of lukewarm in a Sentence

I hate drinking lukewarm coffee. Our plan got a lukewarm reception. The producer was lukewarm about her script.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instructions Step 1 To a medium bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 cup of lukewarm water and knead until an elastic, sticky dough forms, about 2 minutes. Dimitris Chantziplakis, Saveur, 10 July 2025 There are health benefits to taking very hot or very cold showers, depending on your health status and goals, but most experts recommend using lukewarm water between 96.8 and 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit (F).12 1. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025 On average, Americans rate their primary checking account a lukewarm value rating of just 7.8 out of 10, with younger generations even less impressed. Ron Shevlin, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 Outfits that once felt aspirational quickly become irrelevant, leaving behind a cycle of impulsive purchases, lukewarm satisfaction, and the constant itch for reinvention. Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lukewarm

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from luke lukewarm + warm; probably akin to Old High German lāo lukewarm — more at lee

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lukewarm was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lukewarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lukewarm. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

lukewarm

adjective
luke·​warm ˈlü-ˈkwȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce lukewarm (audio)
1
: mildly warm : tepid
a lukewarm bath
2
: not enthusiastic : indifferent
our plan got a lukewarm reception
lukewarmly adverb
lukewarmness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lukewarm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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