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
At Saturday midday, the worst of an extreme cold wave was over, but the temperature was still 6 degrees below zero.
—
Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026
There are two cold waves that will begin to push toward Colorado between now and the weekend.
—Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
But before the precipitation begins, an extreme cold wave will bring temperatures into the single digits on Friday, Jan. 23 – dangerous wind chill values will drop as low as -9 degrees.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 21 Jan. 2026
Travelers and residents should stay informed about forecast changes, particularly as storm tracks and cold wave durations remain uncertain.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold wave
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Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026
There are two cold waves that will begin to push toward Colorado between now and the weekend.
—Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
But before the precipitation begins, an extreme cold wave will bring temperatures into the single digits on Friday, Jan. 23 – dangerous wind chill values will drop as low as -9 degrees.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 21 Jan. 2026
Travelers and residents should stay informed about forecast changes, particularly as storm tracks and cold wave durations remain uncertain.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold wave
Cite this Entry
“Cold wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20wave. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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