heat wave

noun

: a period of unusually hot weather

Examples of heat wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Europe has endured a summer of brutal heat waves, with many cities taking special measures to offer water and cooling spaces for residents who don’t have air conditioning at home. — CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Following a succession of heat waves that started even before the summer, wildfires have raged across France in recent weeks, devastating large swaths of land amid record temperatures and dry weather. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

McIntyre’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines survived the 2017 heat wave, in part because the vineyard was already experimenting with shade canopies and could roll them out across the site quickly. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

This year, large crowds, heat waves across Europe and expensive airfares are prompting visitors to book their adventures before or after the peak summer travel season. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heat wave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave

Kids Definition

heat wave

noun

: a period of unusually hot weather