sweltering

adjective

swel·​ter·​ing ˈswel-t(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce sweltering (audio)
Synonyms of swelteringnext
: oppressively hot
swelteringly adverb

Examples of sweltering in a Sentence

the air conditioning was broken, and it was sweltering in the office
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.
They are not issued as regularly as heat advisories, being reserved for only the most sweltering days. Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Just weeks ago in Chicago, one of us treated a heatstroke patient in an emergency department — notably on a day not nearly as sweltering as the heat wave hitting our city this week. Chuka Onuh, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Though not specifically something that will cool down your car, these cooling towels will come in handy on sweltering summer days. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 After a week of sweltering events in Paris, the Celine show on Sunday was the first to offer guests a bit of respite. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweltering

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sweltering was in 1566

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Cite this Entry

“Sweltering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweltering. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

sweltering

adjective
swel·​ter·​ing
: very hot
swelteringly adverb

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